About Us
The Brendan Taylor Happy GameDay Foundation
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide Joy and Happy GameDay memories to kids and families!
Who We Are
At the heart of one of our family’s most treasured traditions is a simple phrase — "Happy GameDay!" More than just a greeting, "Happy GameDay" became the rallying cry for our shared love of sports and spending time together with family that echoed through our home from the time our sons, Brendan and Mason, were young boys. It was our family's way of saying, "Today is special; today, we make memories.” We said out loud, sent it in a text, or called it out across the house or playing field as a reminder that these moments mattered.
As Brendan and Mason grew older, the tradition not only endured but evolved. When Brendan left home to attend the University of Kentucky, the phrase traveled with him. No matter the distance, on the day of a big game, we would send Brendan a text: "Happy GameDay, Brendan!" It was a digital handshake, a bridge across miles—a reminder that, though scattered, we remained connected by our shared passion.
Brendan lived and breathed sports. Whether it was playing 2nd base on his baseball team, standing in the Goal for the Allatoona High School Lacrosse Team or sitting in the stands cheering on his favorite college or pro team, he was passionate, and many memories were made. He was a true Wildcat fan, a dedicated Braves supporter and a lifelong Georgia Bulldogs football enthusiast-he attended his first UGA football game was at just 10 months old!
When Brendan passed away on April 7th, 2021, our world shifted. The first UGA football season without him was achingly quiet. The absence of sending that one simple text - “Happy GameDay, Brendan!”- left an enormous void. Yet, out of this loss, a new purpose grew.
The tradition of "Happy GameDay"—once a private celebration—became the foundation of our resolve to share Brendan’s joy with others. We believe that everyone deserves a Happy GameDay, and we realized that the tradition we built as a family could and should be shared with others, regardless of their circumstances. And so, The Happy GameDay Foundation was born.
We miss Brendan deeply, and his memory is woven into each "Happy GameDay" event we provide. With every event, every smile and every cheer - we keep Brendan’s spirit alive.
What We Do
At the heart of the Brendan Taylor Happy GameDay Foundation lies a simple but profound mission: to enrich the lives of children by opening doors to the world of sports and unique experiences. By linking arms with a wide network of partners and supporters, the Happy GameDay Foundation is committed to breaking down barriers and providing kids and families the opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime, regardless of their circumstances. To read more about our events, check out our blog!
About Brendan
Our son Brendan was passionate about many things in life. Without a doubt, his biggest passion was attending and participating in sporting events. The first sporting event he attended was a University of Georgia vs. University of Kentucky football game when he was 10 months old. He was hooked then and didn't miss many UGA football games from then on.
Brendan started participating in sports when was 3 years old playing tee ball and soccer. He then played rec league and travel baseball until high school. While at Allatoona High School, he was the starting goalie for the lacrosse team.
In 2016 Brendan graduated from the University of Kentucky where he was a passionate basketball fan. He was an active member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and made many lifetime memories and friends. Brendan loved his family fiercely and was a loyal and faithful friend to all he knew.
Brendan went to Heaven on April 7, 2021. We know we will see him again, and in the meantime, we are sure that he is cheering on his beloved UGA, UK, and Atlanta sports teams and has the best seats in the house!
We believe that everyone deserves a Happy GameDay and know that Brendan would agree.
About Mason
Our son and Brendan's brother, Mason, recently returned from serving as a Combat Medic in the US Army. His goal now is to finish college to become a nurse anesthetist. Mason has also been a part of our family's Happy GameDay tradition throughout the years.
We were blessed to add Mason to our family through adoption in the summer of 2002. He was 2 years old at the time and attended his first game that fall. Since then, he also has been a passionate Georgia football fan!
He is excited as well to be a part of the Happy GameDay Foundation!
