East Lyme Five years ago, Ann Dagle dropped off some money at The Shack and Flanders Donut & Bake Shop with notes saying to please use the money to pay it forward with free meals in honor of her late son, Brian, on his birthday.
She had been struggling with what to do on that day, when she thought to herself, What would Brian be doing? She said he d probably be at The Shack having his favorite breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes and corned beef hash, which he used to have before lacrosse or football, or having donuts at Flanders.
The idea took off, with people also contributing to pay for other people s meals, and the pay it forward event became a tradition on Brian s birthday, which is April 2.