For the Romano family, Halloween is more than a holiday. It is a tradition built on creativity, connection, and giving. For 14 years, Rick and Julianne Romano have opened their home and hearts to the community through their annual event, “Failed Experiments,” a Halloween adventure created as a gift to the neighborhood.
What started small in their front yard has grown into a large celebration that brings joy to families throughout the area. But behind the lights, decorations, and storytelling is a deeper mission rooted in their family philosophy.
A Family Philosophy Centered on Generosity
Rick and Julianne shared that their family motto has always been simple. Be generous with your time. Be generous with your resources. And most importantly, be generous with your love.
To them, generosity is not limited to financial giving. It is in the kind words you offer to a stranger, the moments you show up for a coworker, or the way you choose to lift someone’s spirit. They believe these small, everyday acts of kindness make the world better, one interaction at a time.
Honoring Nick’s Life Through Education
Their son, Nick Romano, lived this philosophy fully. After he graduated from UTSA in 2021 with a degree in Construction Science, Nick passed away. The Romano family knew they wanted to create something lasting that reflected who he was and what he cared about.
They established the Nick Romano Memorial Scholarship at UTSA to support students in the Construction Science program. Through community generosity and ongoing support, the scholarship has grown to a value of more than $275,000 and now supports four students every year.
But the Romanos did not stop there.
Expanding Their Mission to Alamo Colleges
Through conversations with community partners, they learned about the serious challenges many college students face, particularly at the Alamo Colleges. While tuition is free for Bexar County graduates, many students struggle with basic needs like transportation, food, books, or even stable housing.
Some students live in their cars and rely on campus facilities to shower and feel safe. Hearing these stories moved Rick and Julianne deeply.
They partnered with the Student Advocacy Centers across the Alamo Colleges to help students overcome immediate hardships that might otherwise force them to leave school. Their support covers essential needs like utilities, food assistance, or unexpected expenses that threaten a student’s ability to stay enrolled.
Their goal is simple. Help students stay in school, graduate, and take their next step toward a stable future.
A Legacy That Lives On
For the Romanos, these scholarships ensure that Nick’s name and spirit continue to make a difference long into the future. They meet the scholarship recipients each year for lunch, offering encouragement and connection. Even someday when they can no longer attend those lunches, Nick’s name will live on, supporting students who will learn about his life and carry forward his legacy.
Their story is one of compassion, resilience, and the belief that generosity creates ripples that last far beyond a single moment.
The Romano family continues to inspire the community through both their Halloween tradition and their commitment to students in need. Their work is a reminder that kindness can change lives, and that one family’s dedication can build a legacy that impacts future generations.
Join the Shafer Cool Kids Movement!
Shafer Cool Kids is continually looking for San Antonio youth groups that embody the values of community, teamwork, and resiliency. Know a youth group that’s making a difference? We’d love to meet them. Nominate them for the Shafer Cool Kids program today!