My name is Bruce Taraska and I am raising money for our good friends the Parkers. As you all know, Eric passed away suddenly on Friday May 24th leaving behind his wife Anita, children Wes, Britney and Ben, and grandchildren who loved and adored him. Eric's network of close friends extends farther than anyone I've ever known, and he meant so much to so many of us. His selflessness and kindness and just the perpetually positive way in which he carried himself had a great impact on my life and the lives of dozens, if not hundreds of others. He was truly special for many reasons, but his ability to relate to nearly anyone and to make everyone feel happy and joyful in his company was one thing that set him apart. He loved helping people whenever he saw the opportunity and there are many examples of this. One being the annual golf tournament he organized, which raised money for the Lymphoma Research Fund at Mass General Hospital. Should there be an excess of funds when we reach our goal, that money will be donated in Eric's name to that same charity. I hope there will soon be an opportunity for all of us to raise a Manhattan in honor of such a truly great person who truly loved life and lived it so well.