The Secret Strength of Friendship Circles

Sharing a Letter from our Founder & Chairman

Please Click Here to Manage Your Preferences or Unsubscribe Among all my friends, there's a group of 10 who've been part of my life for nearly 20 years. What started as just a bunch of middle-aged guys with a shared passion for baseball has turned into something much deeper: We've become each other's anchor in a fast-changing world. We've been through business ups and downs, family weddings and funerals, and all the chaos that comes with life (including some very difficult Mets seasons). Even though we're now in our 70s, 80s, and 90s (and still working!), our bond keeps getting stronger. Regardless of how much time passes, I'm always amazed at how easily we fall back into rhythm each time we meet. Every time we get together, someone shares something about their family or just what's been weighing on them. We just show up exactly as we are and listen to what everyone has to say. In a time when so many relationships feel temporary and loneliness is an epidemic, we've proven that some friendships can grow. I can't help but feel grateful for this circle of friends. More than acquaintances, they're a reminder that none of us were meant to figure out life alone. What friendship really means As Friendship Month winds down, it's a great time to reflect on your own social circles. If you have a group like mine, cherish it. If not, consider creating one. It doesn't have to be a grand production. Whether it's monthly dinners or even just a standing group chat, the key is consistency. It can start as simply as one person reaching out. Take Bridget, a community member and friend. After moving three times in five years and navigating the chaos of raising three young kids, she found herself in a new town feeling something was missing. On paper, everything looked great with a supportive husband, beautiful home, and full schedule. But she craved a deeper friendship with other women. So, she started a dinner club, bringing together a handful of acquaintances she made in her new town of Glenview, Illinois. It was nothing elaborate. Just an invitation to 10 women who agreed to gather around a table and show up as their genuine selves. Within a few weeks, the spark caught fire. And nearly two years later, the Glenview Dinner Club has become a lifeline whose members support each other through career changes, family hardships, and everyday burnout. They've helped each other edit résumés, cooked meals for one another during hard times, and been the first ones to drop everything when someone says, "I've had a day." The story shows how just one person turned a casual get-together into something much deeper. As Kristen, one of the members, recalls: "None of us realized just how much we needed it. In a season of life where so much of our energy goes toward caring for others, we found something rare in each other … deep connection, the most laughs, and unwavering support." An antidote to loneliness We talk a lot about loneliness for good reason: It's everywhere. But what we don't recognize is that friend groups might be our best defense. They work like a web: If one thread weakens, the others hold. When life throws curveballs, there's someone there to catch you. Science backs it up. People with strong social networks tend to live longer, recover faster, and experience greater well-being. But even if there weren't studies to prove it, we all know what it feels like to be truly known and supported by a group that understands you. Here's the beautiful thing about making room for these deeper connections: When you invest in your friendship circle, everyone benefits. It's not just about what you get out of it, but about creating something bigger than any one person. All the best, Jim What if surviving AI disruption isn't about tech skills but human ones? On this week's Power & Impact, I sit down with Simon Freakley, executive chair and former CEO of global consulting firm AlixPartners, to explore the disruptive fusion of AI, robotics, and human potential. From reshaping the global workforce to redefining how we think about healthcare, education, and productivity, Simon makes the case for bold leadership in a time of nonstop transformation. With decades of experience guiding companies through crisis and change, Simon explains why we're only at the beginning of the AI revolution and why the most successful organizations won't just adopt new technologies but completely rethink how they operate. If you've ever wondered how to lead or stay relevant in an era of rapid disruption, this conversation will shift your perspective on the future of business, work, and what it truly means to grow. Share your thoughts with me at podcasts@celebrations.com. A meal with meaning I'm still thinking about the incredible meal — and even more meaningful moments — we shared last week at Rao's in East Harlem, New York. The special luncheon was to support Smile Farms, an organization founded by me and my family 10 years ago to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Over great food and conversation, friends and supporters came together to learn more about the impact of purposeful work and inclusive hiring. One of the most touching moments came from Keshawn Farley, a Smile Staffer who works as a polisher at Temple Court, a New York City restaurant that's part of Tom Colicchio's Crafted Hospitality. Keshawn shared what his job means to him, and how working in a fast-paced New York City restaurant has helped him grow in confidence, independence, and pride. He also connected with other hospitality professionals, building new friendships that we hope will carry into the future. We also heard a story that illustrated the spirit of inclusion. A Rao's employee named Izzy joined us for the afternoon. As it turns out, Izzy wasn't always part of the team. Eight years ago, he began visiting the restaurant regularly — not to eat, but to admire the wall of photos showcasing the many celebrities who've dined there. One day, he noticed that a photo had been removed and quickly alerted the staff. His keen eye and warm personality made a lasting impression. Shortly after, the team at Rao's offered him a job. That's the kind of world we're working toward at Smile Farms. A world where everyone is recognized for their strengths, invited in, and given the chance to shine. Thank you to everyone who attended. With your support, we're changing lives one job, one story, and one friendship at a time. Celebrating friendship, one story at a time One of the great joys of this month has been hearing your stories about the moments that define your closest friendships, as well as the rituals that keep you connected and the people who've stood by you through every season of life. The reflections you've shared have been thoughtful, funny, and deeply moving, and they've reminded me that friendship isn't just something to celebrate once a year. It's something we carry with us, and cultivate, every day. If you haven't had the chance to share your story yet, there's still time. I'd love to hear about a friend — or friend group — that's made a meaningful difference in your life. I'll be including a few of these stories in an upcoming Celebrations Pulse, so don't be shy. Calling all grandparents — and everyone who loves them Grandparents hold a special place in our hearts. They're our storytellers, our cheerleaders, our comforters-in-chief, and often the keepers of traditions that shape who we become. As we look ahead to Grandparents Day in September, I'd love to hear your stories. What made your grandparents unforgettable? Was it a weekly ritual, a favorite dish they made just for you, or words of wisdom you still carry today? And if you're a grandparent now, what traditions or values are you passing down to the next generation? Whether it's a cherished memory or a quiet moment you hold dear, I invite you to share it. I'll be highlighting some of your reflections in an upcoming edition of Celebrations Pulse dedicated to honoring the unique bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Related articles that caught my eye Written by our Founder and Chairman, our Celebrations Pulse letters aim to engage with our community. From sharing stories to welcoming your ideas, we want to help you to express, connect, and celebrate the important people in your life. 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