“I was always familiar and a fan of his music but I never really appreciated his impact until I experienced the response to his death across the world.
Hearing stories from family, friends, coworkers and even strangers at the grocery store, really made me understand what a vital part of the community he really was. That evening I was glued to CNN, listening to all of the stories of his musical accomplishments, his unknown philanthropic efforts, and testimonials from everyone he's influenced. As my boyfriend put it, "Prince was everything to everyone. He played music exactly the way he wanted to play it and encouraged others to do the same." I feel fortunate to live in a city that can be brought together like that from by a local that became an icon.” -Courtney Kupsch, Giant Steps planning committee member