Over 300 people filled the DoubleTree in Bristol, Connecticut, for the Bristol Sports Hall of Fame’s special event, “Seeking Success & Leaving a Legacy.” Moderated by Malcolm Huckaby, the evening featured two of Bristol’s most inspiring success stories: rising NBA star Donovan Clingan and JC&A Founder and Team IMPACT Co-Founder, Jay Calnan.
Calnan took the stage to share his entrepreneurial journey—rooted in resilience, humility, and teamwork. His remarks echoed the enduring values instilled in him growing up in Bristol: grit, gratitude, and the power of team. He spoke about the deep impact of his hometown and how it continues to influence his approach to leadership.
At the heart of Jay’s message was the importance of building relationships that are mutually beneficial—partnerships that create value, inspire change, and make a lasting impact. This philosophy not only underpins his leadership at JC&A, one of the Northeast’s premier construction management firms, but also the nonprofit he co-founded in 2011: Team IMPACT.
Inspired by his late brother Chris, who lived with a serious medical condition and found belonging as a bat boy for the Bristol Red Sox, Calnan was a leading part of a team that created Team IMPACT to ensure every child could experience the power of team. Together with close friends, including fellow Tufts alum Dan Kraft, Jay built a national movement that pairs children facing serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams—providing them with camaraderie, encouragement, and a sense of purpose.
What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a national force for good, matching over 4,000 children with teams across 850 campuses in all 50 states. For both the children and student-athletes, these matches create life-changing relationships that foster empathy, perspective, and mutual support.
“Team IMPACT is the purest example of a mutually beneficial relationship,” Calnan said. “Everyone grows from it. Everyone gains something deeper.”
The Bristol event concluded with a panel discussion and spirited Q&A, leaving attendees with heartfelt stories, autographed basketball giveaways, and lasting memories. But more importantly, it served as a powerful reminder: when success is guided by purpose and grounded in meaningful relationships, the ripple effect can reach far beyond the individual—transforming communities, industries, and lives.
