History
The history of Future Possibilities in Columbus can be traced back to a single day where the first coach inspired the first kid. In high school, Dave Kaufman had one plan after graduation: skip going to college and work at the local factory. However, this all changed when one day a neighborhood businessman, L.T. MacGillivray (“Mr. MacGillivray”) took time away from his busy schedule to drive Dave to Ohio Wesleyan University for a campus visit. Mr. MacGillivray had seen Dave play basketball and believed in him. He encouraged Dave to take a chance on himself by attending college and playing basketball. Inspired by Mr. MacGillivray Dave decided to change his post-graduation plans. He enrolled at Ohio Wesleyan, made the basketball team and began to pursue degrees in mathematics and economics.
Following his first semester, excited to return home and thank Mr. MacGillivray for believing in him, Dave was sad to find out that Mr. MacGillivray had recently passed away. Missing the opportunity to thank Mr. MacGillivray was difficult for Dave. In the years that followed, Dave found success in the classroom and began his professional career; a career that would eventually see him become a CEO of a major insurance company. However, over time it continued to bother him that he was unable to thank Mr. MacGillivray for the faith he placed him that day: a day that completely changed the course of Dave’s life. When discussing this story with a friend, Dave asked “How do you thank someone when they’re no longer here?” His friend’s response was simple: “You pay it forward.”
These words stuck and Dave began to figure out how to pay it forward. His research led him to Future Possibilities Inc, a New York City-based program that paired kids from underserved communities with a KidCoach that helps guide them through defining and achieving a goal. Dave instantly connected with the mission of the organization. He saw the role of the KidCoach as the same role that Mr. MacGillivray had played in his life. Only a month after contacting Future Possibilities, Dave launched an affiliate operation of the program in Columbus, Ohio. And the rest as they say is history.
