About four years ago, my team, the West Suburban Dream, and I played in our first ever CHADEFFECT tournament. After we won the tournament, Chad’s mother and father spoke to us about what the CHADEFFECT was and why the organization started in the first place. I remember listening intently and being amazed by everything Chad would do for others. From that point forward, I vowed to try to be at least half the person Chad was. I tried to always act with integrity and do the right thing at all times, even when no one was watching. CHADEFFECT really helped me understand what is important in life.
Chad taught me that service also includes random acts of kindness. Whether I was holding the door open for someone or grabbing a seat next to a classmate sitting alone, I felt encouraged to do these things because of the influence Chad has had on my life.
CHADEFFECT.org has made me a better person, and I am confident the impact this organization has had on me will be long lasting. I very much appreciate all that the Cooke's and the rest of the CHADEFFECT organization has done for myself and the rest of my Dream family.
Lexi (Student Athlete)
Chad taught me that service also includes random acts of kindness. Whether I was holding the door open for someone or grabbing a seat next to a classmate sitting alone, I felt encouraged to do these things because of the influence Chad has had on my life.
CHADEFFECT.org has made me a better person, and I am confident the impact this organization has had on me will be long lasting. I very much appreciate all that the Cooke's and the rest of the CHADEFFECT organization has done for myself and the rest of my Dream family.
Lexi (Student Athlete)
Thank you! Yesterday, Jim (co-founder CHADEFFECT) took the time to talk to my teams about Chad always gave everything 110% and he said, "You see that logo on the back of your shirts....That says Powered by the CHADEFFECT and that means you have to always give 110%." Yesterday my 8th grade team won a game and lost a game and the game we won we hit a last second shot. They did not give close to 100% yesterday....After the game we huddled and reminded them of of Jim's pep talk. This morning, before our 1st game, we huddled and reminded them of Jim's talk and they won by 20...For the championship game we did not huddle. We just looked at them individually and said CHADEFFECT 110. In the championship game, they gave 150% and beat girls 2 years older than them. Thank you Jim for taking the time to kneel down on the floor and give them that Pep Talk!!!
Lamarcus (Head Coach: West Suburban Dream)
Lamarcus (Head Coach: West Suburban Dream)
CHADEFFECT has been a huge part of my life and has allowed me to share stories and memories that I shared with Chad and allowed me to want to share and pass his dreams and legacy onto the youth in our community.
Chandler (Chad's Friend)
Chandler (Chad's Friend)
Chad was the first friend I had in a totally new place where I finally felt at home. He helped me be myself and to never hide who I truly was. He brought out the best in me. He taught me how to persevere through adversity and hard times. He taught me to never give up and to follow my passions. He showed me how to hold myself accountable and to grow and learn from my mistakes. His passion for life and helping others - whether it was a silly prank to cheer someone up or wrapping presents all night for kids in need - inspired me to always find room in my life to help others. His service to his community will always commit me to doing the same.
Will (Team Manager: College of Charleston)
Will (Team Manager: College of Charleston)
I'm the foster mother of 3 little boys. Malachi is one of my boys who wanted to play football but unfortunately, we couldn't afford it. Lynette from the CHADEFFECT heard about Malachi. The CHADEFFECT found him a team, paid for his fees and got his picture taken with his team! The day we told Malachi he was going to play football, was like Christmas morning. He started jumping up and down with excitement. It was a great day.
Grateful Mother
Grateful Mother
I choose to celebrate the chadeffect by living a little more intentionally. It’s so simple to go out of your way to make someone’s day. It can make such a big impact. I’ve seen it first hand!
Katy (college coach)
Katy (college coach)
Yesterday, my coworker gifted me a Starbucks drink. Thanks to #chadeffect. Now, it’s my turn to pay it forward.
Stranger effected by #chadeffect
Stranger effected by #chadeffect