At each home game, the Springfield Thunderbirds, in partnership with CHD, present a “Game Changer” award to recognize someone who has made a difference in the Pioneer Valley community through their selfless acts and dedication.
The T-Birds are in the playoffs, so the home games continue—and yes, they are still definitely accepting Game Changers nominations for the postseason!
Lisa and Brian Person (pictured), who were foster parents for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and CHD for 15 years—from 2008 to 2023—were recently recognized as Game Changers. This couple opened their home, along with their family, which includes two children of their own—Abby and Tim—to many children in need.
When they were foster parents, every Christmas Lisa and Brian took a wish list for a child in care in CHD’s Wish List Program for children in foster care. They picked the category “hard to buy for older kid,” provided those kids with wonderful presents to give them a special holiday, and they continued to purchase gifts for a child each year.
In 2019, Lisa, a preschool teacher, also got her school involved in CHD’s Wish List Program. She distributed wish lists to teachers and student groups and coordinated the pickup and delivery of gifts to CHD. One year it was over 90 wish lists! She has now retired from teaching but continues to coordinate the distribution of wish lists to many people each year.
“CHD, along with many foster children and parents, really appreciate the Person family, and are thankful for their time, love, and generosity over the years,” according to their award introduction.
If you’d like to recognize someone for their impact in the community, click on the button below. In addition to being recognized at the game, nominees receive four free tickets to the game!