With Arms Wide Open

A Conversation with Rick Tonini, Mayor of St. Matthews

Episode 20

If you've ever lost a loved one and need help finding purpose again, this podcast is for you. St. Matthews Mayor Rick Tonini shares how the unexpected and tragic loss of his daughter, Lauren, led to serving at our Open Hand Kitchen in Christmas 2003. You can also watch now!

Watch: https://youtu.be/R3vhyT7wRAk

Our CEO Dave Calzi spoke with Mayor Rick about a variety of topics: 

  • Tonini Church Supply has been around for 143 years, since Mayor Rick's great-grandfather founded it in the mid-1880s. He shares how to successfully run a family-owned business. 
  • Why he's been serving at the Open Hand Kitchen every Sunday for 20 years now and has no plans to stop? 
  • As a boy, Mayor Rick drove the garbage truck and cleaned out the sewer in St. Matthews. He tells us how this was his start in politics, and also touches on the role he believes government should play in helping those in need. 
  • He offers advice after the loss of a loved one and what you can do next. 

To learn more about finding support through Compassionate Friends, visit www.compassionatefriends.org/chapter/tcf-of-louisville/.

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