One of my all-time favorite people of Albany, Jim Larson handily earns his first Dazzler of the Day crowning thanks to years of community-based efforts at making our world a better place. He’s one of those inspirational forces who takes such joy in helping others that you want to be better whenever you’re around him. He’s the guy who started the Albany Santa Speedo Sprint (and likely inspired countless Speedo sprints which quickly followed in other cities). Helmed by Larson and the Albany Society for the Advancement of Philanthropy, the event has raised thousands of dollars for the Albany Damien Center and the HIV/AIDS Program at Albany Medical Center. I can’t explain the excitement I felt when he recently posted the poster and date for this year’s return (December 4, 2021!) – not just for the Speedo peeks, but for the chance to once again see what Jim does best: inspire, entertain, and conjure pure joy.
