Archives for September 2018

Nobody wakes up one day and decides to be a hero. Heroic moments, no matter how big or small, come about during everyday life. Here are a few feel-good stories of people who are heroes in their own way.

Keepers of the Flag

Every day the American flag waves proudly over Hayden Meadows Elementary School. At the end of each day three students,  known as the “keepers of the flag” lower the flag and properly fold and store it, making sure it never touches the ground. This is a sign of respect and these students take it very seriously. The mentor behind this selfless act is Mac McCarty, the school’s custodian.  Being a 20 year veteran of the US Air Force himself, with a Marine as a father and a grandfather who was a Navy man – he thought this was a great opportunity to express to the young kids the importance of honoring our nation’s flag.

A Cut Above the Rest

Hairstylist Victor Burgos, 34, has been working at Joe’s Upscale Barber Shop for the last three-and-a-half years. Their shop is in an older building and unfortunately is not wheelchair accessible. The shop noticed a man in a wheelchair outside and shortly after, the man called asking if they accepted walk-in appointments. A couple of the barbers went outside to try and get the man into the shop but realized it was impossible to get the chair up the steps. Burgos decided to proudly cut the man’s hair directly out front of the shop. Now he comes regularly to his outdoor appointments and sends all his friends to the shop.

Against the Current

This past weekend there was severe flooding in Arlington, Texas. When Danny DeArman, head football coach at Arlington Bowie High School, and his wife were driving on the highway they noticed a car stuck in the floods with a woman trapped inside. As soon as he saw the woman’s palm hit the window in panic, Danny flew into action to save her. Swimming in a current so deep and strong it took his shoes off, Danny and another man managed to get to the woman’s car and break the window. They removed her from the car and Danny carried her on his shoulders back to safety.

Sometimes we’re faced with opportunities to be a hero even if we don’t realize it. Always be on the lookout for ways that you can make a difference.

In the face of natural disaster, people often show their true colors in the best possible way. It’s amazing how the human race pulls together in the most trying times. Let’s take a look at this week’s feel-good stories from the Carolina’s, where it’s needed most.

In the Nick of Time

Hurricane Florence has hit and it has hit hard – but it’s not just the people who need to be saved. Journalist Marcus DiPaola posted a video this week of a volunteer saving 6 dogs from an outdoor cage as the floodwaters were rising. Ryan Nichols treads through knee-deep flood waters to free the dogs and help them get to safety just in the nick of time.

Paying it Forward

This past week, Ashleigh Gilleland of South Carolina returned to her car in a Florida parking lot and noticed a piece of paper folded underneath her windshield wipers. She opened the note to read “Saw your license plate is from South Carolina. Not sure if you evacuated from the storm, but just know Florida is praying for you and your state. When we had Irma, we evacuated to Alabama and received a similar letter on our car.” Attached to the note was a gift card to Wal-Mart for $5. Ashleigh was overwhelmed with appreciation and automatically started to think of ways she could pay this forward; Kindness, the gift that keeps on giving.

Open Doors, Open Hearts

Sundays are always tough for fans of popular fast food chain Chick-Fil-A since all of the restaurants’ locations are closed.  This past Sunday, however, a Chick-fil-A restaurant in North Carolina decided to open their doors to help with Florence relief efforts. The location in Raleigh opened and their employees dedicated their day off to prepare food as Florence continued to wreak havoc on the area. What a beautiful way for a team to come together and serve their community.

People step up in times of tragedy, resulting in unimaginable kindness. Thank you to all who have and continue to make a difference in this world.

To make a difference is to cause a change, which can change someone’s life. Here are a few local ways for you to make a difference.

 

BGCD Kings Classic

Wednesday, September 19th 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Kings Bowling

60 Seaport Blvd, Boston

Join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester for the 1st Annual BGCD Kings Bowling Classic. They will have a team competition to win the coveted trophy, great prizes, and ultimate bragging rights! For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

 

Autumn Swing to benefit VNA Care and the Tippett Hospice Home

Friday, September 21st 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Needham Golf Club

49 Green Street, Needham, MA

The Needham Area Community Cabinet’s fifth annual fundraiser for VNA Care features live music, dancing, cocktail party with cash bar, hors-d’oeuvres, carving station, dessert, and live and silent auctions. The evening benefits the Stanley R. Tippett Hospice Home and VNA Care’s home health services and hospice care for the terminally ill. To purchase tickets, click here.

 

Rodman Ride for Kids: Big Brothers Big Sisters Team

Saturday, September 22nd – All Day

Ride Headquarters

101 Washington Street, Foxboro, MA

The Rodman Ride for Kids is the #1 single-day athletic fundraiser in the nation supporting at-risk kids! Raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay and ride with their team! To sign up, click here.

 

Ride For Food – Women’s Lunch Place

Sunday, September 23rd 7:00 am to 2:00 pm

Noble and Greenough School

10 Campus Drive, Dedham, MA

Join the Women’s Lunch Place at the 7th annual Ride for Food that supports 20 Boston-area hunger-relief organizations. The last six years at Ride for Food with Three Squares New England has generated $1.6M for local hunger-relief efforts. Ride with the Women’s Lunch Place team to help them fight food insecurity, fundraise, and raise awareness! For more information and to join the team, click here.

 

Greater Boston Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Sunday, September 23rd 8:30 am to 12:00 pm

DCR North Point Park

Museum Way, Cambridge, MA

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease! To donate or register for the event, click here.

Everything on the news today is just seething with negativity. Let’s shake things up with some good stories!  Check out our top three feel-good stories of the week.

Open Doors, Open Hearts

As many of us are watching Hurricane Florence approach North and South Carolina, Airbnb is jumping into action. Airbnb, along with its hosts, is opening their doors to the many residents evacuating their homes. Over 300 hosts have already offered rooms to people on the run from Hurricane Florence, free of charge. When a disaster arises, the company activates its “response tool” which contacts hosts in or around the impacted area asking if they have any space to share. People helping people, that’s what it’s all about.

Hero Boxes

Back in May, Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development partnered with Hero Box and almost 50 other businesses to donate everyday items to deployed soldiers. This week on 9/11, 321 Hero boxes were deployed overseas to the Army, Navy and Air Force to thank them for their service and make their lives a little easier.

Parade of Heroes

This past week in Storm Lake, Iowa, Storm Lake Elementary and Middle Schools honored the fallen heroes of 9/11 by throwing a Hero Parade for all local emergency responders. Students lined the block to cheer and high-five emergency representatives from the police, sheriff, fire, hospital and National Guard. What better way to honor the fallen than by thanking those that carry on their work.

Now those are some news stories we can get behind! Be sure to share stories like these on your own timeline to remind your friends that there is still so much good in the world!

Every day we wake up with a choice. Every day is a chance for you to make a change for the better. Here are five ways to start:

 

Final Summer Fling

Thursday, September 13th 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Roof Deck @ 100 High Street, Boston

Join Heading Home’s Outreach Council for a Final Summer Fling this Thursday. Take in the city sights while playing a game of bean bag toss. Enter to win dozens of raffle prizes while drinking an ice-cold craft brew. ALL in the name of charity! By attending this event, you’re helping families and individuals in Greater Boston who lack food, shelter and support systems come closer to leading a safe, healthy and productive life. For tickets and more information, click here.

 

Lovelane’s 30th Anniversary Hoedown

Saturday, September 15th 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Duck Puddle Farm

48 Lincoln Rd, Wayland, MA

Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program is celebrating its 30 year anniversary with Lovelane’s 2018 Hoedown. The Hoedown is a jeans and boots outdoor tented event, held on the gorgeous private farm in Wayland.  Fourteen legendary Boston-area celebrity chefs are donating their time, talent and delicious, specially-created tastings just for this event! For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

 

Moondance After Dark Party

Saturday, September 15th 9:00 pm to Midnight

Fiedler Field, Charles River Esplanade

47 Mugar Way, Boston  It’s the most glamorous night for young professionals in Boston! Join the Esplanade Association at the Moondance After Dark Party and enjoy cocktails, desserts, and dancing under a clear tent—all while benefiting the Charles River Esplanade! Learn more and purchase your tickets here.

 

New England Village Family Day 2018

Sunday, September 16th 10:30 am to 3:00 pm

New England Village

664 School Street, Pembroke, MA

New England Village’s flagship Family Day event takes place this Sunday!  Guests are treated to a day filled with food, awards, entertainment, raffles, and many other fun activities. New England Village serves 180 adults of any age with intellectual and other developmental disabilities including autism and Down syndrome, and sensory disabilities such as blindness and deafness. To donate or purchase tickets, click here.

 

Fall Fashion Show

Sunday, September 16th 11:30 am to 2:00 pm

Granite Links Golf Club

100 Quarry Hills Drive, Quincy, MA

Support Catholic Charities South with a night of friends, fun, and fashion. Featuring fashions from Sara Campbell, Purple Poppy and Milton’s, you are sure to find what’s new for the season – and, buy what you see on the runway! For tickets and more information, click here.