Archives for August 2018

Bad news got you down? Here’s your weekly pick me up! Let us send you off into the weekend with our top three feel-good stories.

Paying it Forward Pays Off

Via Huffington Post

It was just an average Monday when 19-year-old Mackenzie Mauller went to get her morning coffee at Starbucks. This particular morning, Mauller decided to pay for the coffee of the woman in the drive-thru behind her. By now, we’ve all heard of the “pay it forward” movement, but how many times has this happened to you and you’ve wanted to thank the person? The woman behind Mauller, Nicole Clawson, was truly touched by this act of kindness. After noticing Mauller had pulled into a driveway just a few houses down from her own, she decided to write her a letter. In the note, Clawson, a mother of two, explained that she had been going through a tough time recently – both emotionally and financially. Clawson goes on to tell Mauller just how much her gesture meant to her and how it had turned her entire day around. Even the smallest act of kindness can make the biggest impact.

An Offer He Can’t Refuse

Via BBC News

When 18-year-old Louis Makepeace was turned away from a catering course at the Heart of Worcestershire College, Chef Gordan Ramsey decided to step in. Makepeace was told that because of his dwarfism, he was considered a “safety risk” for the course. After hearing of this discrimination, Ramsay hopped on Twitter to share his disgust with the college and said he would offer Makepeace an apprenticeship any day. Although the original deterrence had him down, this opportunity from Ramsey has re-sparked Makepeace’s flame and he looks forward to seeing what will happen.

First Responder Appreciation

Via Metro

Usually, if you find a car blocking your driveway, you’re not exactly thrilled. However, this homeowner in Flintshire, Wales took a different approach after finding an ambulance at the end of their driveway. These homeowners decided to leave a note for the drivers. The note read “Thank you for blocking my driveway to save a life. Refreshments on me.” Along with the note, they had also left £5. What a sweet and heartwarming gesture of appreciation, the world needs more of that.

Now all you need to do is finish up the rest of your day and take these good vibes home with you for the weekend!

Why do we always dread Monday? Let’s turn this narrative around and give ourselves something to look forward to by getting involved in one of these local fundraisers!

 

2nd Annual Hon. Jeff Abber Memorial Golf Tournament

Monday, August 27^th 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Bayberry Hills Golf Course

635 West Yarmouth Road, West Yarmouth MA

Join The Honorable Jeffrey A. Abber Charitable Foundation for their 2^nd annual Hon. Jeff Abber Golf Tournament. Tickets include continental breakfast, 18 holes of golf and cart, lunch (hamburgers, hot dogs, salads), a fun day, and prizes for the top 3 teams! All net proceeds will benefit the Honorable Jeffrey A. Abber Charitable Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, which supports charities that were important to Jeff including the Pan-Mass Challenge, MGH Caring for a Cure, as well as a scholarship for a Malden High School student in Jeff’s name. For more information and to register, click here.

 

6th Annual Bombshells Against Breast Cancer

Wednesday, August 29^th 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

M.J. O’Connor’s – Westin Waterfront Hotel

425 Summer Street, Boston MA

Deck out in your favorite shades of pink & join the Bombshells of Boston at MJ O’Connor’s Westin Waterfront patio for refreshing drinks, light bites & a night of raising money for the Ellie Fund! For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

 

Do it for the Win – Comedy Night Fundraiser

Thursday, August 30^th 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Weymouth-Braintree Lodge of Elks

1197 Washington Street, Weymouth MA

The Harvey Family recently received news that their 2 yr. old son, Winston, was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer in one of his kidneys. An operation was performed to remove this kidney and he is currently receiving chemo and radiation treatment for cancer that has traveled to his lymph nodes. Join friends of the Harvey’s for a night of comedy, raffles, and auctions all to benefit the Harvey family. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

 

Yappy Hour

Thursday, August 30^th 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Sand Bar

10 Lighthouse Road, Dennis MA

Join Project Samana for a dog-friendly happy hour at Sand Bar! Enjoy live music, complementary Handmade Titos vodka and Open Farm treat samples with your 4-legged best friend! For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

 

Remember September Music Festival 2018

Saturday, September 1^st 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM

283 North Quincy Street, Brockton MA

Remember September Music Festival is an all day, all ages music festival featuring 13 local bands and 11 acoustic acts on two separate stages with original music along with an honor the fallen ceremony. This festival is meant to remind us all of the effects of 9/11 across the world. Proceeds of RSMF benefit the Fraternal Order of Fire Fighter Military Veterans, Inc. For tickets and more information, click here.

It’s Friday and we’re feeling good! After reading our top three feel-good stories of the week, we’re sure you will too.

Motherly Instincts

Via Fox News

Officer Celeste Jaqueline Ayala was on duty as a guard at a hospital in Argentina when a young neglected baby was brought in. Without hesitation, Ayala’s motherly instincts kicked in and she began  nursing the baby. She provided such a beautiful gesture of love to a child she had never before met. A man took a photo of the selfless moment and it has since gone viral on social media, with Ayala receiving praise from thousands.

Mamma Mia

Via BBC

Sixty-eight-year-old Shirley Lewis has Alzheimer’s disease. She is also a huge Mamma Mia fan. Lewis and her daughter, Rhiannon went to see the movie in theatres and she was so excited she began singing along. When her singing was met with disapproval by other moviegoers, her daughter decided it would be best if they left. After leaving the movie, Rhiannon was so upset by the reaction of others she took to social media to air her grievances. The theatre immediately stepped in – not only offering the pair free tickets to the movie but also taking it upon themselves to host an entire showing of Mamma Mia for people with dementia! Now Shirley can enjoy the movie the way she should.

Be the Match

Via USA Today

Before her first birthday, 3-year-old Skye was diagnosed with a very rare form of Leukemia, only affecting about one in a million children, called juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMM) and was in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant. During this same time, Hayden Ryals was searching for a purpose in her life. One day, while walking to class, Hayden passed by a Be The Match sign and began asking questions about becoming a bone marrow donor. Soon after, Hayden received a call from the registry telling her she was the match to a one-year-old (Skye). Without hesitation, Hayden underwent the procedure, saving young Skye’s life. Hayden kept in touch with Skye’s parents and two years later, asked Skye to be the flower girl at her wedding! It sounds like both of these ladies actually saved each other.

 

If that doesn’t make your heart melt we’re not sure what will. Have a great weekend and as always, never hesitate to make a difference!

It’s time to motivate your Monday and get involved! Here are five opportunities to get involved in your community this week.

 

Community Night: HI Boston at Flatbread Brighton

Tuesday, August 21^st 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Flatbread Company Brighton

76 Guest Street, Boston

HI Boston is a nonprofit, member organization founded on enduring belief in the power of travel to foster a deeper understanding of people, places, and the world around. Join them for pizza, bowling, beer, and more as they partner with Flatbread Brighton to co-host a Community Night. Learn about the sustainably focused and community education-based mission of Hostelling International (HI) Boston. A portion of pizza sales will be donated to HI Boston’s travel and cultural education programs. For more information and to register, click here.

 

Summer LRC – Get Ready to Play!

Wednesday, August 22^nd 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Scituate Beach Association

88 Scituate Avenue, Scituate MA

12 Women Care invites you to join them for a charitable night of Left, Right, Center! Each guest will play for their favorite charity (non-profit, local organization, booster, etc.). They anticipate having two simultaneous games with two winners. The proceeds from the tickets sales will be split and paid out to the winning charities by 12 Women Care. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

 

Red Cross Food Pantry – Come Volunteer with DBRC!

Saturday, August 25^th 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Red Cross Food Pantry

1033 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston

Join Downtown Boston Rotary Club for their American Red Cross Boston Food Pantry event and connect for good! The American Red Cross Boston Food Pantry provides a 5-7 day emergency supply of nutritionally-balanced food to approximately 107,000 low-income clients annually. Volunteer activities may include: distributing food to clients, data entry on computers, directing clients to nutritional handouts and assisting with nutrition education.  For more information and to register, click here

 

Matthew’s Troops Wine & Whiskey Tasting

Saturday, August 25^th 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

MIXX 360 Nightlife

665 Broadway, Malden

Join Matthew’s Troops for a wine and whiskey tasting. All proceeds from this event will go towards team Matthew’s Troops for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) Buddy Walk. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

 

Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike – Boston

Saturday, August 25^th 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Castle Island, Boston

The Irreverent Warriors Silkies hikes are a series of events across the nation designed to prevent veteran suicide by bringing veterans together using humor and camaraderie to heal the mental wounds of war through therapeutic events and entertainment. Civilians are not allowed to hike but are welcome to volunteer and/or meet them at the bar stops along the way! For more information and to register, click here.

TGIF! Who else is ready for the weekend? Let’s celebrate Friday with these top three feel-good stories of the week!

Professional Dress Up

Via Metro

The New York Public Library is making a difference one accessory at a time. The library has started a Grow Up accessory lending program which allows any library card holder with less than $15 in fines on their account to check out accessories including neckties, briefcases, and handbags. Not only are they providing accessories, but the section also has information sheets, tips, website recommendations, and books on job interviews, professional advice, and career guidance.

Precious Time Off

Via USA Today

Florida school teacher Robert Goodman had used up all 38 of his paid leave days while undergoing surgery and chemotherapy for stage three colon cancer. As he started to worry about his financial future, he reached out on social media to share his story saying that he needed at least 20 more paid leave days to finish out his treatment. Little did he know that his post would go viral. Within days Goodman had received 75 sick days from teachers, administrators, college professors, and cafeteria workers across Florida.

Wedding Day Rescue

Via Washington Post

They say rain on your wedding day means good luck but how about a flood? This past Saturday, a bride, her new husband and her bridesmaids were trapped in a car in Bergen County, N.J. A flash flood left their car submerged in water. Thankfully the Bogota Police Department was there to save the day! The bride popped out of the sunroof, dress and all, and onto Officer Michael Laferrera’s police Hummer.

We hope you all have a beautiful weekend! Spread positivity wherever you can and always choose to make a difference!