Jim Scott

Chris Gardner is founder and CEO of Gardner Rich, LLC, an institutional brokerage firm with offices in Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. But you probably know him best as the guy Will Smith portrayed in the movie The Pursuit of Happyness.

Inspired by Gardner's autobiography, the film tells how he became homeless with his toddler son and eventually climbed his way up the financial industry ladder to become a self-made millionaire.

Now, you'll know another side of Gardner — the passionate philanthropist. Two $5,000 James J. Scott scholarships will be awarded to NYSUT members interested in acquiring the skills needed to do labor relations work. Gardner is funding the scholarships in honor of his colleague, Jim Scott.

"Jimmy and I were more than business associates and dear friends; we were very bonded," says Gardner from his office in Chicago. "We worked together for 15 years, but I felt like I'd known him forever."

Scott worked with Gardner Rich in New York as a financial analyst and adviser, primarily to unions, organized labor and political candidates.

Scott assisted organizations with member benefits, investments and health care, and was a liaison to the labor force for candidates who pledged to protect the rights of working New Yorkers.

"He always had working people at heart," says Gardner. "In New York, if anyone was interested in the labor movement, they would find Jimmy deeply involved there, always."

Scott followed in his father's footsteps. Bill Scott was not well known outside New York's financial world, but Gardner says he was very much involved in saving New York City from bankruptcy in the 1970s, in part by hiring bright, young, working people.

"Just connect the dots — Jimmy was great with finance and business, and he appreciated working people."

Gardner and Scott worked closely together to promote trade unionism. "I knew the 'how,' but Jimmy knew the 'who.' And 'how' can't do anything without the 'who,'" explains Gardner. "He loved to make things happen."

Scott died in 2006 from pancreatic cancer. "He was a champion of organized labor," says Gardner. "Jimmy used to say that there is more that unites us than separates us. It all goes back to opportunities for growth and education."

A dedicated activist for many causes, Gardner has always supported public education. "When Gardner Rich was just beginning it was school teachers who gave us our first opportunity to build our business. The president of the AFT affiliate in Chicago gave us a shot when no one else would," Gardner says. "Then other big cities followed, and finally, New York. So we made the decision years ago, that we would contribute back to teachers."

Today, Gardner Rich donates 10 percent of its profits to schools and classroom teachers directly so they can purchase what they need to help their students succeed.

"One kindergarten class I visited looked like a cross between Romper Room and NASA. These kids had all kinds of great ideas going," Gardner says. "We want to give back to educators and all the paraprofessionals who make schools work — the bus drivers, janitors, cafeteria workers, secretaries, and teachers — to give them recognition awards for the great work they do."

Gardner envisions "Scott Fellows" using the scholarships to learn labor relations to help them represent educators.

"I hope they'll expand their understanding of the business of education," says Gardner. "If Jimmy were here today, he'd say, 'Get smart quick and take it to the table.' You have to bring education and business together to dream bigger, so you act smart for benefits and be sharp at negotiations."

Gardner is sure Scott would not be surprised at the scholarships in his name. "He'd say, 'Yeah, write the check, Chris. Let's get it done.' And for me, it's an honor and blessing to be able to do it."

Lyrysa Smith is a freelance writer from Columbia County.