Before there was Peyton and Eli Manning, there was Archie Manning. Two generations of legendary NFL quarterbacks. Warriors guard Gary Payton II learned to hoop from his Hall of Fame father Gary Payton, with dad nicknamed “the glove” for his defensive prowess, and GP2 often called “the mitten.” Ken Griffey and his kid, Ken Griffey Jr., both played major league baseball and in fact shared the outfield for two seasons, hitting back-to-back home runs in 1990.
So, as we near Father’s Day, I am deeply pleased to share with you a special 5Q4 about Chris Tam, leader of the All Good Living Foundation, whose dad was Niel Tam, former AUSD educator, administrator, and school board member. I was fortunate as a young educator new to Alameda to teach alongside Niel, and now count myself blessed to know and work with Chris Tam, a second-gen pillar of goodness in this community. Editor’s note: article has been updated to include the correct spelling of Niel Tam.
How did the All Good Living Foundation come to be?
During the difficult time when my father was battling cancer, and we found ourselves searching for meaningful activities to fill our days, a remarkable idea took shape. We envisioned a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting and supporting students, families, and school staff facing challenges. This initiative became a beacon of hope, aiming to provide much-needed resources and assistance to those in our community who needed it most.
Your dad was a beloved educator in town—teacher, administrator, school board member. In what ways did he and your mom influence you?
My parents were a constant source of support and kindness in our community. My dad, a true pillar of strength, dedicated countless hours mentoring aspiring teachers, guiding them with his wisdom and experience. He had an incredible gift for healing, often tending to those who were unwell, using his expertise as a Reiki master and compassionate spirit to bring comfort and hope to their lives. Their unwavering commitment to helping others created a ripple effect of goodwill that illuminated the lives of everyone around them, especially me.
You were honored this past season by the Golden State Warriors for your work in the community. What was that experience like?
It was an incredible experience and a profound honor to receive their recognition. Being a Golden State Warriors fan for as long as I can remember, the moment filled me with pride and gratitude as I felt the weight of their acknowledgment and the warmth of their appreciation surrounding me. It was definitely surreal standing in the middle of the court of a sold-out Warriors game!
Can you tell us about other people and/or organizations who have partnered with you in your efforts to support those in need?
I have many mentors who have worked or are currently working for nonprofits, and they have been instrumental in helping me. Some of the larger organizations include Whirlpool, National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBPRA), and Vans.
The All Good Living Foundation provides support for a variety of people and groups in a variety of ways, from food to clothing to school supplies. What kind of help do you need to continue to do this important work?
We’re looking for passionate volunteers and generous donations! Monetary donations are always helpful, but we accept other types of donations, not just clothing and shoes. For example, if you have fruit trees on your property with a surplus of fruit, we’ll take it! Every helping hand makes a difference, and your contributions can create a meaningful impact.
Gene Kahane is the founder of the Foodbank Players, a lifelong teacher, and former Poet Laureate for the City of Alameda. Reach him at [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Gene-Kahane.
