Dave Shelly began telling people last fall that he had Stage 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme - and had weeks or months to live. Receiving this information was shocking. ALBB received it outside of the bathroom at the Hudson Valley Food Hall as Dave was visiting friends at the Roosevelt Bar. The odds of beating it were not in his favor, he said. Dave and his wife Jill were known as involved and generous community members in Beacon. Dave’s commitment was special and unique to him.

Dave was known as The Pink Unicorn for his commitment to and enthusiasm when putting on his air filled suit every Saturday to walk around Beacon. When he passed away, ALBB published this about him: “Beacon’s Pink Unicorn Lowers His Horn For The Last Time David Shelly- Passes,” which shows how his wife Jill felt just days later.

The Beacon Unicorn Fund Launches

This Friday is the official launch of the Beacon Unicorn Fund that Jill put together with a little help from her friends. What follows is their press release in full:

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Be part of an evening filled with music, digital art, and community connection. This Friday, December 13, 2024, join us as the Beacon community comes together to honor the legacy of the Pink Unicorn of Beacon, David Shelly, with the launch of the Beacon Unicorn Fund at a special Benefit Event at Dennings Point Distillery 10 Chestnut Street from 7:00PM to 9:00PM.

This inspiring evening is scheduled to include live music performed by Jeremy Schonfeld, Gus Schonfeld, and Jen Malenke. The event will also include video tributes with a pre-taped interview with David Shelly, himself, and Scott Ramsey as well as a music video featuring The Costellos. There will also be a conversation with David’s wife, Jill Shelly, a silent auction, and heartfelt tributes all to help raise funds for the Beacon Unicorn Fund.

This fund reflects Dave and Jill’s shared dream of providing financial aid to Beacon residents experiencing hardship. It is a way to keep Dave’s mission of community support alive, ensuring his acts of kindness will touch lives for years to come. Suggested donation to attend is $20 and proceeds from the event and the silent auction will directly support the Beacon Unicorn Fund, helping those in need and honoring Dave’s legacy of generosity and joy. For more information about the fund, the Benefit Event and to donate to the Beacon Unicorn Fund, click on the QR code or visit www.beaconunicorn.fund

Who Was the Pink Unicorn of Beacon?

David Shelly moved to Beacon in 2016 and became a cherished figure when he brought his dream of joy to life in March 2021. Known as the Pink Unicorn of Beacon, Dave could be found dancing at the Farmers Market, strolling down Main Street , and spreading happiness with free flowers, hugs, and ice cream vouchers. His vibrant personality and selfless acts created a legacy of love that continues to inspire. Even as he faced a diagnosis of stage 4 glioblastoma multiforme in October 2023, Dave’s spirit remained an enduring source of hope. He passed away on December 15, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and a vision for the Beacon Unicorn Fund, which Jill Shelly is proud to bring to life.

Every Saturday, the Pink Unicorn of Beacon would walk down Willow Street to Main Street. He would take a right or a left, and walk down Main Street to encounter people with his joy. Often he hung out outside the Marion Royal Gallery, where other artists gather to relax and talk to each other.

David Shelly and his wife Jill lived in a rental near Main Street, and then moved further back a few blocks. Nothing would deter him to become to the Pink Unicorn when he needed to. When he sponsored the Spirit of Beacon’s comeback in 2022, he wanted to march in the parade as the Pink Unicorn. He marched with several recruits, but not without training first, to make sure he could sustain the breathing and responding to kids while in the suit.

In the fall of 2023, Dave discovered he had a brain tumor that was almost liquid-like. He was biking back from the Farmer’s Market one Sunday, and couldn’t quite make it home. He said it took him 1.5 hours to get home, when usually it took him 10 minutes. He doesn’t remember much of anything, but his wife Jill made him go to the hospital to find explanations.

This fall, Dave was told he had a short time to live. It was shocking to hear. He told ALBB while getting a quesadilla from Dulce Cielo MX at the Hudson Valley Food Hall. It made you want to hug him forever. Because would he not be here tomorrow? What was happening.

Indeed. His wife Jill Quaglino was very shaken. Jill has always been Dave’s supporter. His listener. She’s a nurse by training and profession. So she went into per professional mode after his diagnosis. Dave said she was making him seek radiation. He wanted to, to make her happy.

Beaconites held a Pink Unicorn March for him. Just to celebrate the spirit of him. Who knew how long he had left.

Jill announced via social media that they had arranged for hospice to come to the house. And then he was gone. ALBB waited until Jill posted her own words, for when we posted ours.

Jill said this Friday evening: “A week ago you left for the other side of the rainbow, my best friend, my person, my husband. And I till cannot fathom how this is possible. My heart is broken but full all at once and I also don’t know how this is possible but know I’ll love you forever and no one will ever be able to match you in my eyes.”