Natalie's Everyday Heroes: Go Frank Go Foundation inspires kids and honors a Packers super fan

 

GREEN BAY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Frank Lamping lived for helping others, and even though he's no longer with us, he's still doing that.

Lamping was the kind of guy who would stop to help anyone who needed it. Now, more than four years after his death, that spirit lives on, inspiring a new generation to live like Frank.

Handing out pens and notecards, members of the Student Athlete Leadership Team- or S.A.L.T.- welcome students to Go Frank Go Day.

"This is the third one, and it's been pretty successful every round," said S.A.L.T. supervisor Emily Paskiewicz.

The purpose?

"We hope that Go Frank Go Day leaves even a small thumbprint on each one of these kids' hearts and their minds," said Go Frank Go board member Cary Madrigal.

To do that, the Go Frank Go Foundation welcomes a speaker to Union Grove Union High School each year.

This year's speaker is John Israel, also known as Mr. Thank You. He talked about the importance of gratitude and connection.

"I think it's important for the kids to hear that from somebody other than the people they see and hear every day," said foundation chairman Jason Callewaert.

The person many of them used to hear it from was Frank Lamping. People may remember Lamping for his love of the Packers.

"Huge. Crazy," Madrigal said of his love for the team.

The town of Union Grove got behind his push to join the Green Bay Packers Fan Hall of Fame. They held rallies.

"We would chant all the time, 'Go, Frank, Go,' based off of the 'Go, Pack, Go' rally," Callewaert said.

Lamping was named the 19th member in 2017.

"In a way, having these speakers come in and talk to the kids is kind of an extension of Frank doing what did after he was inducted into the hall of fame," Callewaert said.

He supported youth sports and worked to inspire others.

Madrigal knew Lamping from the time she was born.

"Just one of the greats. One of the absolute greatest to come out of Union Grove," she said.

The foundation is committed to carrying on that legacy.

The S.A.L.T. students were wearing their shirts, emblemized with the words "unreasonably grateful."

"I hope they just realize they can be a positive influence on somebody," said S.A.L.T. supervisor Annie Sireno.

Because it only takes one person to make a difference.

"If we could have 100 more Frank Lampings, this world would be a better place," Madrigal said.

Lamping's impact is felt all over Union Grove. Community State Bank named a community service award after him that's given out every year. If you'd like to find out more about the Go Frank Go Foundation, click here. 

If you'd like to nominate an everyday hero, send Natalie a message at [email protected].