The emotions stirred inside Parise when he heard the details surrounding the disappearance, disturbing those who had followed the case for three decades and hoping for a miracle: that Wetterling would somehow, someway, end up safe and sound with his family.
When that didn't happen, Parise and his wife, Alisha, felt motivated to do something.
The couple pledged financial assistance to the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center, which works to prevent all forms of child exploitation and maltreatment. Before Saturday's game against Winnipeg, Parise met with Wetterling's parents, resource center staff and survivor Jared Scheierl, who helped break open the Wetterling case.
At Xcel Energy Center, Parise handed Jacob's parents Patty and Jerry Wetterling an envelope containing a personal letter and a check. The amount: $11,000.
Wetterling wore No. 11 while playing on youth sports teams, including the soccer team coached by his father, Jerry. The love of the No. 11, shared by both Wetterling and Parise, also represents the 11 things people can do to nurture a culture of kindness and compassion.
The 11 traits include: Be fair, be kind, be understanding, be honest, be thankful, be a good sport, be a good friend, be joyful, be generous, be gentle with others and be positive.
In addition to the Parises' donation, the Wild will wear commemorative
"For Jacob" helmet stickers
with the No. 11 during its first three home games, starting Saturday night.