National High Five Day

It seems like the important holidays always sneak up on me. I never get my Christmas shopping done before December 24. My anniversary present to Mary is still "in the mail." And my parent's anniversary was last week, I think, maybe. To cap off this streak of forgetfulness, I nearly missed one of my three favorite holidays, along with May 13 (Top Gun Day) and Sept. 19 (International Talk Like A Pirate Day). Yes, for those who don't know, today is National High Five Day, held every third Thursday of April for the last decade.


I've always been a big fan of the elevated hand slap, mainly because of its impact on my career. When I was an intern for the Arkansas Travelers, "Free High Five Nigh" was one of two ideas that I pitched to my boss, and now Travs GM Pete Laven. The other was "Hugs from the Homeless Night," where we would pay the bums that hung out around the park $5 to go around hugging people.


While the latter never really took off, "Free High Five Night" debuted at Ray Winder Field on May 5th (get it... 5/5) the next year. Unfortunately, I was in Tennessee by that time and didn't get to see my handiwork in person, but the promotion was named the best low cost promotion by ESPN the Magazine that year and earned Pete the Texas League's Top Executive (there might have been some other factors involved). I know I've mentioned this accomplishment several times in columns before, but in all honesty, if I can only have three things on my headstone, I'd want "Husband, Father, Inventor of Free High Five Night."


This year, the boys at National High Five Day are working to raise money for cancer research, something that has touched my family's life in the last few years. More than 180 people registered to give out 55 high-fives today to inspire donations to four cancer research centers. As of 3 p.m., the National High Five Project has raised $11,505 of their $15,555 goal, with the proceeds to be split between the V Foundation, Sanford-Burnham, Gateway for Cancer Research and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.


I'm kicking myself that I didn't join up to be a part of this great cause, but there is always next year. Until then, I will try to make the most of this wonderful day and like they say with Christmas, keep the spirit of National High Five Day in my heart all year long. For more information on National High Five Day or to donate to the cause, visit www.nationalhighfiveday.com.