Top Shelf Todd Stories
Megan Wellikoff
It's hard to know where to start because obviously Todd is a person that's hard to put into a short story or memory. He's larger than life!
For me, our beautiful life in Wellington and our deep connection to community and the Temple was directly sparked by Todd's generosity. You see, in 2015 we had just moved to Wellington and did not know a single person or family. We'd joined the Temple and kids were in pre-school. We were meeting nice people and had good feelings about our new town so far.
But sometimes there's a moment, when you know you've found your people. It's when you can be your total self and their genuineness matches yours.
It happened for me when Adam and I were at Wicked in 2016 (our first time but picture from 2017) and I started talking to you and Todd, just the three of us. To my surprise, you both asked me to join the TBT Gala committee right then and there. I was not really in “networking” form (lol) and my wig from my costume fell off. I’m sure it was not a pretty sight and I was so embarrassed!
But Todd did not skip a beat and just kept the friendly convo going, putting me instantly at ease. This is a small example of what Todd would do over and over again, not just for me, but for so many others. He wasn’t interested in fluff or show. Just being himself and wanting to be around people that loved and accepted him for who he was, too.
There was also this one time, at your house for an impromptu Coffee Talk bagel breakfast, where Todd popped in to say hi. He and I spent a solid 30 minutes just talking about the Dolphins and Bills. It may have been my most favorite conversation with him ever. Nothing fancy or exciting happened. Just a really nice talk between the two of us about something we both loved.
Most memorably though, was when Todd would talk about helping on the Gala committee (or any cause for that matter). You could feel his deep desire to help and be of service. Yes the planning was fun and the party would be great, but you could see he was calculating that HIS direct effort (with support from friends and community) could truly have a lasting impact on TBT or the cause he was championing. You could tell he knew how to make an impact, and he just did it. Watching him put that energy into action was just so inspiring and something I will never forget.
Giving, sharing, doing, laughing, enjoying life. This is Todd. Now, and forever.
Love you all very much.
Heath Propper
Random story about Todd always willing to help out not matter what the ask was. While we were at UF I had a Summer job at a sleepaway camp in Wildwood, just about an hour south of Gainesville. I had recently adopted a cat and planned for the cat to come with me for the Summer and stay in the bunk at camp. After about two weeks, I realized I wasn’t going to be able to care for the cat during the Summer. Unfortunately, my parents lived out of state at the time so my only option was finding someone that was staying in Gainesville for the Summer to watch him. Fortunately, Todd was staying in Gainesville and without hesitation offered to have my cat, Avery, stay with him until I got back to Gainesville. Todd cared for Avery like he was his own, never once asking for anything in return. I am truly grateful to Todd for his willingness to do pretty much anything to help his friends.
John Orsi
The first time I met Todd was at a Dave Mamone tailgate for the MIAMI DOLPHINS (when Todd was a Dolphin fan lol). Todd was break dancing and spinning on his back on a piece of cardboard in the rain. As I got to know him better I realized he always loved a good time and enjoyed life. From then, our relationship grew closer with golf outings, fundraisers, parties and bourbon. Once Todd found out that I liked bourbon, we grew closer and he taught me everything he knew about bourbon and he showed me his passion for life again. Todd has taught me to enjoy life in every way possible and never let anything hold you back, because he never does. Love you buddy!
Christine DiRocco
I would never have thought that 18 years later, we would be here! Me regaling our beautiful friendship and preparing to say goodbye. All those years ago when I met you and Deb while planning your wedding… and so many laughs, fun, love, joy and celebrations enjoyed together.
You two beauties showed up to meet your Catering Manager, Joe, remember? He resigned from the Kravis and I HAD to take over the planning. I say HAD to because I never wanted to plan weddings and on the heels of a brutal break-up, I had to put my “game face” on and meet you two. WOW, what a moment…! The universe had bigger plans of joy and fun in store for us that I never could have imagined on that day. Sooo funny.
Now, I look back and I can’t understand why I am not in your giant group photo of your wedding??! Ha! Are you sure I am not sneaking in somewhere in the outer periphery?? As we have become such beautiful and long lasting friends, I can’t believe I am not in that picture. But, as I have come to understand, people just don’t cross Todd’s path, once you approach the path, you are on it for life. Todd, you are like a proud and prolific wine collector… you have beautiful friends and relationships of all vintages, varied varietals from all areas and regions of your life. And, you enjoy and cherish each one and savor the relationship. Sip, sip, hooray for us.
Todd, you are distinct and exceptional human being – you walk in love, joy and generosity. You are loyal and loving to your friends, a beacon of joy and laughter, you are an advocate for small businesses, a connector of people, a light for all. You are generous with your time and attention to other causes and use your enthusiasm and influence to gather others in support to lift them up. Your love radiates to your core as a stalwart friend with a limitless sense of humor (remember that time you pretended to be a lawyer?), I still laugh about that. I was at the Norton the other day and that is always the memory that pops in my head, not the Chihuly ceiling, but you pretending to be an attorney. How many events have we been to where we just bump into each other and carry on with champagne, laughing, memories and adventures?
Antique shows, cocktail parties in banks, receptions at Kravis, opera outings, symphony performances, WEF, Mar-A-Lago, Boys’ & Girls’ Club, New Year’s parties, birthday parties, cheese celebrations, wine tastings, dinner parties, more birthdays… love, joy, thoughtfulness, and generosity always carries the day!
And, then, there is polo. I think we did it all - brunch, tailgates, box seats (thank you, Ritz Carlton), Mallet Grill, Seventh Chukker, more Veuve, Nacho Figueras and one of my favorite memories is the day we had nachos on a platter the size of a small satellite dish. SOOOO YUMMY! The best nachos ever, but it was probably your company and joy more thanthe toppings. Everything is big and generous with you, Todd! Generous of hospitality, spirit, love and joy. I think you even brought presents and lunch for all your nurses and I can’t even imagine how you got your neighbors to agree to your epic house parties!
I never think that you were beaten by this disease, it might have presented challenges, but you overcame with another beautiful facet of you – tenacity. The joy continued as you traveled with your family. You threw more parties. Bigger parties! More dinners. More JOY! Joy carries the day for you Todd and Deb and you have given me a very special gift… embracing the joy. Despite physical setbacks, you persevered. You inspired me on my saddest days… I see your happy face and how can I be sad with such a beautiful friendship. My heart is filled. Your precious Deb and your beautiful girls will be surrounded with the love you have shown to others. You are one in a million, my beautiful friend. Our friendship is one of the greatest joys of my life. Thank you for being you. xoxo
Christine DiRocco
Then there are the pies! On National Pie Day- I am thinking of you! Who would have thought a simple, home-baked, hand delivered, custom “pastried” Turkey Day treat would be such a “pie it forward”moment. I PIED you! Lol. I will never ever underestimate the power of pie for the rest of my life and I will never ever eat pumpkin pie again without thinking of you. It’s funny that pumpkin pie is my absolute favorite pie of all time and the fact that this sweet and savory goodie brought about such special moments… I will treasure it always. I am going to learn to make a “Spectacular Todd Baron sweet potato pie!” Love you always! Xoxo
