the gherkin foundation: Kids and courts for a cause

The formation of this nonprofit organization is deeply rooted in my personal background, upbringing, and the values instilled in me. I was born in Rochester, NY to an immigrant father from The Netherlands and a mother of Irish, Scottish, and English descent. These diverse influences have shaped my character and drive.

My father, who was the eldest of 12 children, experienced the hardships of living in a Nazi-controlled country during World War II. Seeking a better life, he, along with his brother and cousin, left their homeland and settled in New York. They worked tirelessly to bring the rest of the Blaakman family to America. I possess a Dutch newspaper article featuring my Oma’s photo, documenting this remarkable journey. After applying for US citizenship, my father renounced his Dutch citizenship to become a naturalized, proud American. He later served in the US Army overseas in Europe.

Influenced by his humble upbringing, my father dedicated himself to serving the underprivileged, at-risk youth. His passion led him to work as the senior supervisor of Parks and Recreation in Rochester, where he also contributed to the Special Olympics. I have vivid memories of accompanying him as we delivered leftover meals to feed hungry children in inner-city neighborhoods. Sadly, my father lost his battle to cancer four days before Father’s Day in 1994. In his memory, I participated in a race on Father’s Day organized by the Hard Rock Café in Honolulu, which aimed to alleviate childhood hunger. Crossing the finish line, tears streamed down my face, overwhelmed by the impact my recently deceased father had on my commitment to serving underprivileged children. This inspiration even led me to work as a lifeguard and swim instructor for inner-city children during my college summers, the savings from which funded my missionary work.

Both United States Army vets, my parents served during the Korean War. My mathematically gifted mother utilized her financial skills in the payroll department. Despite having numerous opportunities with her distinguished graduate degrees, high IQ and membership in Mensa, she chose a noble and lifelong career in education, teaching remedial reading and math to at-risk, inner-city minority students. In fact, my mother often found herself replacing teachers who had fallen victim to violence, including one who was fatally stabbed by a student. Undeterred by the inherent risks, she dedicated herself to making a difference in the lives of her students. They felt secure enough to reach out to her for basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, and safety. On one occasion, I witnessed her compassion firsthand when she provided refuge to a student who witnessed the murder of a parent. In an effort to amplify her impact, I supported my mother’s campaign for the position of superintendent, although she was ultimately unsuccessful. However, her influence on countless lives cannot be measured by electoral success. While teaching full-time, my mom obtained her real estate broker’s license and started two home-based businesses. At a young age, she enlisted my help to stock and track inventory, assist in sales presentations and organize her taxes. It is an honor to follow in my mother’s footsteps of entrepreneurship while simultaneously pursuing my philanthropic endeavors branded, “Doing well while doing good.” At my mother’s funeral in 2008, we shared sentimental stories about her profound influence and tremendous impact, a testament to the lives she touched, including mine.

Though my parents have passed on from this temporal life, their legacy remains immortal through me. They instilled core values woven deep in the fabric of my being shaping my character and guiding my path along this exciting journey. I am forever grateful to them for nurturing the love for learning, instilling an entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a strong work ethic, teaching resourcefulness and independence, developing an attitude of gratitude, supporting athleticism despite hereditary disabilities, encouraging my relentless determination, tempering my competitive spirit, embracing childlike silliness, and instilling a Dutch sense of humor. Throughout my life, these values have driven me to passionately give back to communities through selfless service and sacrifice.

My parents have been with me every step of the way on this journey, from the inception of my company, United We Pickle LLC, to the establishment of the GHERKIN FOUNDATION Inc as its philanthropic arm. As I commit to donating my time and talents, I humbly request your tax-deductible contributions to support this worthy cause. The kids will be forever grateful!