April 15, 2022

In the five years since longtime business and civic leader Jerry Nachtigal died from cancer, every April 16 has become a chance to honor his memory in a powerful way.

His wife, Ann, and children Libby, Reid and Jack have organized Jerry’s Day of Kindness, encouraging others to offer random acts of kindness in Nachtigal’s name.

“Our dad always taught us growing up that we should always give back to people in our community that are struggling,” Jack Nachtigal said. “It’s been in our DNA since we were little, so once he passed, it felt natural for us to continue giving back to the community in his honor.”

Born in Brookings and an SDSU grad, Nachtigal spent more than two decades in journalism before becoming spokesman to three governors in Missouri. He then returned to his home state with his family and served more than 15 years as senior vice president of public affairs for Citibank — a role that allowed him to support a wide range of community philanthropy, supporting low-income and at-risk populations across the state.

Jack, who lives in Los Angeles, plans to mark the day by paying at Starbucks for other customers and buying flowers from LA Flower Market to hand out in Marina del Rey.

“Our family is also planning to pay it forward at local coffee shops in Sioux Falls, volunteering at St. Francis House with co-workers and sending gift cards to friends,” he said.

The impact of the day has been powerful, with the family estimating more than 2,000 random acts of kindness have been completed in Nachtigal’s honor.

“Over the last few years, this has really spread to every corner of the country. Friends, family and strangers have donated time at soup kitchens, called loved ones to surprise them with their voice and handed out flowers to strangers, just to name a few of the many initiatives that have been done,” Jack said.

“I’ve had a few people even tell me that they’ve reconnected with a parent of theirs that they had a falling out with in honor of the relationship we had with our dad.”

Nachtigal also used to submit donations in each of his children’s names each year to Feeding South Dakota’s BackPack Program, which provides meals to kids in need. In his honor, the family also has encouraged donations to the nonprofit on April 16 and has raised about $40,000 over the past several years.

“Our goal this year is to hit $50,000 total, and we’re so close,” Jack said.

Just one dollar is enough to provide three meals, he added.  To find the donation link, click here or #jerrysdayofkindness on Facebook, or @jxcknachtigal on Instagram.