Our Inspiration

The Christopher Donovan Center and the Day School it houses are a lasting tribute to Helen Bradbury’s son, Christopher, whose life was tragically taken from him in 2005.

Chris was a generous, loving person who had a gift for working with people with special needs. Inspired by his love for his young daughter, Nina Love, Chris especially enjoyed working around children.

Chris’ love for children and his desire to help others lives on every day as we teach a new generation of students how to find their own unique way to light our world.

A Lasting Tribute
Christopher’s Story

Christopher Douglas Donovan began his short but extraordinary life on January 6, 1983. From that day forward he brought a smile to anyone he would come in contact with.

Chris was a very caring and empathetic person. He always looked for positive attributes in any person or situation. He was also committed to making others around him happy, helping even complete strangers he saw were in need of assistance.

Chris also was a people person, whose work always involved working with others. He had a special gift for working with individuals with special needs. Some of his jobs were at a special education program and a residential group home.

Chris was happiest around children. When his daughter, Nina Love Donovan was born he was overflowing with joy. Their bond was instant and Chris catered to Nina’s every need - feeding, washing and changing her. Chris and Nina played together every moment they could. He would often stare at her in awe, even as she slept. Nina was Chris’ life. She was “Daddy’s Girl.”

Then came the morning of April 24th, 2005. Chris was murdered at the young age of 22. A good man was gone, and a parent’s worst nightmare was realized in a senseless tragedy.

In a family’s mission to overcome tragedy and turn it into a lasting tribute to honor his memory and help others, the Christopher Donovan Center was created and opened its doors in April 2007. Chris’ family is confident he would be pleased with the Center’s efforts to improve the quality of life for others, knowing that he is someone who always put others first in his life.