Sometimes the causes we are most passionate about find us in unexpected ways. Such was the case for Chris Pricco and Nelson Tavares who, once introduced to Kids’ Chance as part of their careers, were inspired to become involved on a more personal level.

Chris, in his role as Chief Networks and Operations Officer at Paradigm, learned more about the workers’ compensation system. He quickly began to appreciate the impact of serious injuries on families. “Catastrophic injuries often prevent a parent from returning to work,” he points out. “The effect on families is devastating and long term, and children are part of that. I became aware of how Kids’ Chance steps in to help.”

Nelson learned about Kids’ Chance when he joined W.R. Berkley Corporation. “A number of the company’s operating units support the organization,” he explains. When he stepped into his current role as Executive Vice President, he became more directly involved, even joining the Kids’ Chance Advisory Board.

“I became much more familiar with what Kids’ Chance does,” Nelson continues. “Being part of the insurance industry, I see first-hand the impact that catastrophic injuries have on individuals and families. The Kids’ Chance mission really resonates. Personal investment felt like the logical next step to my advisory role at the organization.”

Both Chris and Nelson agree on the importance of providing scholarship support to families impacted by a workplace injury or death.

“When a family is blessed with stable conditions, children can look forward to continuing on the path of education,” Chris says. “By derailing a child’s education, a workplace injury creates a disadvantage that can last for generations. Kids’ Chance helps to balance the scales.”

Nelson agrees. “Education, especially higher education, is the ultimate playing-field leveler,” he says. “The scholarships provided by Kids’ Chance are life-changing. Today’s Kids’ Chance scholarship recipients will carry the economic and social benefits of their education forward to create generational change in the future.”

Nelson feels fortunate to have been exposed to Kids’ Chance through his professional life but also emphasizes the personal rewards of supporting the organization. “This is more than an obligation to give back,” he says.

He encourages anyone – and everyone – seeking a cause to support to view one of the many videos of Kids’ Chance scholarship recipients expressing their gratitude and talking about their career plans, as well as their desire to give back to the community. “When you see the connection between your support and a family’s ability to turn toward a better future, giving becomes meaningful on a whole other level,” he says.

“How we decide what to give is shaped by our experiences,” Chris adds. “While my employer is very active with Kids’ Chance, I also saw an opportunity to personally make a difference. Kids’ Chance is a very credible organization with a clear purpose that is having a very real impact on families. I am glad that the industry has adopted the Kids’ Chance mission, and I am also happy to do my part. If you are looking for a charity that is making a clear difference in the lives of individuals and families, this is a great one!”