Everyone has an inspiration.
But not everyone takes that inspiring persons lead to do something very special on their own.
Tom Hedican, a professional goaltending consultant, founded Coach4Food in 2005, a program which was inspired by rock legend Bruce Springsteen and his work with food banks around the world.
On Thursday Hedican had the opportunity to be one of 600 to meet “The Boss” for a book signing at an Indigo book store in Toronto.
“The meet at the book signing was supposed to be very, very short, say hello, turn, get your picture taken, that's it,” said Hedican.
“But as I approached him, I reminded him that his personal (late) trainer, Tony Strollo, had introduced us at the Meadowlands in 2008, in his dressing room before a concert.
“I said ‘Bruce, at that time, Coach4Food had raised about 25,000 pounds total. We are now at 1.3 million pounds raised for food banks in Ontario and New Jersey.’
“He was totally engaged, even while the photographers were asking us to turn for the picture. I am sure they wanted to get me out of there and move on to the other 598 people (I was second to meet him).
“He looked at me and said ‘Really?’
“To which I said ‘yes, 1.3 million pounds.’ He said ‘That is fantastic!’
“The picture was taken and we shook hands again and as we did I said ‘All inspired by you,’ and walked away.”
Hedican loves Springsteen’s music but he says the admiration goes well beyond his platinum albums.
“For me, it's about who Bruce Springsteen is, more that what he is: a rock star,” admitted Hedican.
“It is about a man at the top of the world in his field who still has a social conscience. A man who tries to make a difference for those with less, and does it quietly. The things we heard in Jersey when we brought Coach4Food there were astonishing. The things he does under the radar for people who need help. Things few people ever hear about.”
