Date: November 4, 2007
About: The Isaacson Family

Front Row Performers

Source: Quincy Herald-Whig
Author: Matt Schuckman

By Matt Schuckman
Herald-Whig Sports Writer
Jim Isaacson is relatively certain his parents would be beaming with pride knowing their family has taken an active role in honoring the good-hearted, civic-minded members of the Quincy community.
They would be even more pleased knowing the Front Row Performers program is expanding.
Started last winter by Isaacson and his brother, Bob, the program gives away two tickets to each of the Quincy High School boys basketball team’s home games to someone who displays integrity, determination and pride in community and cultural activities.
“It was the initial positive response from everyone involved that was so overwhelming,” Isaacson said. “The deep appreciation by the nominees and those who received he awards was touching.
“There certainly was the joy and inner contentment that this was something Mom and Dad would have loved and seen as worthwhile. I’m sure they look down and are pleased.”
Isaacson’s parents, John and Nell Isaacson, were long-time QHS season-ticket holders and the front row seats under the north basket at Blue Devil Gym were the same seats the Isaacson’s used for more than 30 years.
Along with the tickets, each person recognized as a Front Row Performer will receive a gift certificate for dinner at a Quincy restaurant, special seat cushions, in-game recognition and a basketball autographed by each member of this year’s QHS team.
“The people of the Quincy community were so kind and so gracious,” said Nancy Carnine, the Isaacsons’ daughter. “To me, it was heartwarming to hear when we called these recipients how appreciative they were.”
The Isaacson family would like to see more community members get involved and want to expand awareness about the program. They encourage anyone who knows of a Front Row Performer to submit their nomination to Herald-Whig Managing Editor Don Crim via e-mail at whig@whig.com.
“We hope the community can offer up real substantial nominees,” Isaacson said. “If they do that, we’ll always find the right one.”