THE STORY BEHIND QUIET GIFTS OF THE HEART
Pete Rodrigues left an extraordinary impact on many people and their lives, especially his love, Cathy.

"Story after story it became apparent he was one of the most gracious, generous and kindest human beings ever to have lived. Of course I knew this and was one of the many reasons I loved him, but to hear everyone tell me so many things he'd done for them was overwhelming. Always doing for others….with no recognition, he never told anyone no when they asked for his help. Even when one didn't ask, but shared their struggles, Pete would reach out to them and lend a helping hand…all while not even telling anyone or sharing what he did. I've never known anyone like Pete….and never will."

That is how Quiet Gifts of the Heart was born. After losing Pete, sitting around the table one night with her closest of friends, Cathy explained to them her thoughts and how this name, Quiet Gifts of the Heart just kept coming to her mind. She wanted to do something in Pete's honor to encourage others to try and be even a little like her Pete, and as she said, "The world would have to be a little better place. That's what he did. He gave gifts of his heart to so many….all in a such a quiet manner. I think it's the perfect name for this special campaign." Her friends agreed and so she and her daughter Cara, went to work.

"We had cards made that are like calling cards. Once someone does something for someone, large or small….simply leave a card behind. Once that recipient person sees it, the hope is they'll go to this website and read what a wonderful man Pete was. Our hope then is that they take the same card and pay it forward. Pretty simple really. We'll have cards placed in several businesses throughout our beaches community, for people to pick up as needed. Hopefully we'll run out fast and have to print more!" says Cathy.

QGOTH Cards can be found at the following businesses:
Sidney Cardel's
Atlantic Beach Country Club

Not only as heard in all of the speeches at his Memorial Service where over 100,0 people attended, but from strangers who didn't even know him, but knew someone who did, the following are a few statements that show exactly what this movement is all about.

"Pete not only was a great role model as a father with my son Casey, but he was the most thoughtful guy on the street – – he put a window air conditioner in our 90 year old neighbor's house who lived on 11th st for 50 years without AC. When my parents moved to Jacksonville from Michigan – Pete bought a couple six packs of beer and welcomed my 80 year old parents to their new place – years later my parents still talk about how that made them feel welcome to Florida. That is Pete – no big deal – he just does things for other people."

- Joe O'Conor, neighbor for 20 years.

"I thought of Pete joining me and my Dad at the Kentucky Derby a year ago. Pete always said watching the Kentucky Derby was on his bucket list. That, however was not true, the item he checked off on his bucket list was not attending the Derby, but to meet my father. When the weather turned bad on Derby Day, my dad was unable to join me at the track, so Pete demanded he stay and watch the race from the hotel bar with my father. Pete was all about family. Pete was special, and sure enough Pete had made another great friend, Jack Klein."

- Gary Klein, long time best friend.

"Pete's passion for his local Country Club in our neighborhood that was failing is difficult for some to understand. He asked me to join him and our members in an attempt to save the club. To this day, I don't know how he talked me in to working on this project but I am glad he did because I got to work with him.

From a business perspective the club was bankrupt. I don't want to say Pete ignored the financial condition of the club as he was a very astute businessman. Pete knew how to fix problems. He believed that together, we, members, staff and community, would find a solution. It turns out he was right.

Pete's passion for the club was an intersection of two of his core values; family and helping those that needed his help. The family aspect of his passion for the club was to save an Atlantic Beach landmark where families would create memories. Pete created a few memories at the Selva Marina Country Club, hosted several member parties at his house to include the blowout known as The Last Hooray, sponsored and supporting many events at the club, and an occasional Saturday afternoon E-9 with friends.

So what did Pete help to create through perseverance, passion and dedication? One of only 5 private country clubs that was formed in the United States in 2014. Preserved 110 acres of green space in cul-de-sac of Florida known as Atlantic Beach. An enterprise that will employ 50 people. A place where memories will be created for families. Last but not least a place where you will make friends that will change your life forever."

- Mike Carlin, President of Atlantic Beach Country Club, Sidekick to Pete and dearest of friend.

"Pete was a light! He walked into a room and brought positive energy, he was joy, compassion and Love all wrapped into one.

• He always had a "yes we can" approach to everything.
• He was the first person you would call if you needed help and he loved to help others and never wanted any credit for it, he did it because he loved helping others.
• Pete was a role model for many of us through his work ethic, wisdom, and how he treated others with respect.
• Pete always put others first, Jesus says "FIRST we must be LAST then we will be FIRST"
• Pete sacrificed much to help others
• Even when things did not go his way he never burdened anyone with his disappointments. In all the years we were friends I never heard him complain or look for sympathy even though he encountered many hardships in his 57 years of life. He was one of the strongest men I know.
• Pete was not caught up with earthly possessions and would take the shirt off his back to help anyone.
• So many people followed Pete because he was a great example, teacher and mentor just like Jesus."

- Ray Holden, President, Miller's Ale House

"I am a better person for having known Pete Rodrigues….a better person and a better human being." - Cathy Thomasson, Pete's love.