The first story from our braclets. Ms. R, Kindergarten teacher, has a
student this year and her brother last year. Their mother died the
week before school started. The kids didn't have any new school
clothes as the mother had not taken them shopping yet. Ms. R got their
sizes and purchased a weeks worth of clothing for the girl and the boy,
handed it to the dad and said, "An angel came to school and left these
for your children"....she earned her bracelet.
Susie
Kingston Elementary
I will be offering several random free Saturday morning yoga classes entitled "Pay it Forward Day" and will be giving the wristbands out to students. Naturally, I will be explaining the concept and The Pay it Forward Foundation. I will encourage students to offer their wristbands along with their good will to those in need. I thought about having some copies of the book available to borrow or purchase (at cost) so that they can interpret the story themselves. I hope to fill my community with these wristbands! Namaste, Kim Seva Yoga Studio, Port Jefferson, NY
Hi, Thought you might be interested to hear that I gave Henry Winkler a bracelet last week. Yup- the Fonz is sporting a "Pay It Forward" bracelet. He was in town doing a presentation at our summer conference and when I heard about all of the charity work he does, particularly for kids with physical and learning disabilities, I thought he should have a bracelet. He had me put it right on his wrist - I think I pulled out some of his arm hairs by accident while doing so! Take care, Shelly
Hey my name is Robyn Perez. I am a camp counselor. I was on a wilderness trip with 5 of my 13-15 year old campers (girls) in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks. We had just finished a day hike up 3 peaks. We had gotten back at 6:30, which is pretty late considering you are not supposed to cook past 7 o'clock. It had just started to rain pretty hard as we were cooking. This girl came into our campsite, drenched. She asked us if there was any room in the lean-to we were staying in. And since there was no room because there was 8 of us total, we said no and I directed her and her fiancé and their dog to the nearest lean-to. Two hours later we were just hanging out in the lean-to. And all of a sudden that girl came back saying that there was no room in that lean-to and asked if she and her fiancé could stay underneath the tarp we were cooking under. We said yes, not knowing what else to say. As they walked away, the girls and I looked at one another knowing what we had to do. We all scrunched together in our sleeping bags to make more room at the end of the lean-to. I walked over in my rain jacket and insisted that they sleep in the lean-to. They were very grateful. Just before this trip all the campers were given PAY IT FORWARD bracelets. And the next morning as they were getting ready to leave, one of my campers gave her bracelet to the couple and said don't thank us, just the next time you have a chance pay it forward. I think that’s a good story of kindness. Thank you for your time.
Dear Pay it Forward, At the end of the school year, my sixth grade peers and I saw the Pay it Forward movie. I thought that it would be impossible for Pay it Forward to actually happen. Then my classmates and I were assigned a project to commit a small or big act, which we thought would be gracious, and I really took interest. In the beginning of summer vacation, I discovered from my ten year old sister, about a tornado that had occurred in Maheen told me that her ten under softball team, the Montclair Bears, were going to raise money for the Falcons, a local high school girls softball team in Aplington-Parkersburg. The Bears wanted to help the girls who play on the Falcons, by raising enough money so they could continue their softball season, and I decided to help out. Everyone on the Bears was assigned a station, where they would stand from All of our hard work paid off. In just three hours, the three locations combined raised one thousand, nine hundred dollars, which was enough to buy a pitching machine, equipment, and to give each teammate forty dollars to spend on other items. I gave ten dollars of my allowance too. Local reporter Emily Kaplan noticed our charity work, and we even got put in The Montclair Times! My sister and her team had written letters to the Falcons, and when everyone got replies, they were read aloud. I felt really proud of myself and the Bears when I saw how much the Falcons appreciated our help. Minahil Khan
Research done by Dr Hawkins.
One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of optimism and a
willingness to be nonjudgmental of others will counterbalance the
negativity of 90,000 individuals who calibrate at lower weakening
levels. (thats one person doing something nice and acting optimistic
counterbalancing 90,000 people, thats the power of one bracelet!!)
One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of pure love and
reverence for all of life will counterbalance the negativity of
750,000 individuals who operate at lower levels.
One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of illumination,
bliss and infinite peace will counterbalance the negativity of 10
million people who calibrate at lower levels. (Dr. Hawkins
approximates that only 22 people on the entire planet operate at this
level, but maybe Pay it Forward could help increase those numbers)
The first thing I would have to do to make this world a better place to live is to realize that something is wrong, to really get to know what I am doing wrong……….
Alex from South Florida - West Boca HS
ITS WORKING
Now that I am a part of this movement, I often wonder if you know what
you have started. I know that you sent Heidi (the woman who left me a
large tip at Chili's a while back) a box of bracelets. I went into her
work the other day which is a natural food store with about ten
employees working at any given time. I noticed as I found what I came
in the store for that many of the employees were wearing your bracelets.
I talked to Heidi and she told me that if they (the staff) are going to
work in her store that they have to be a part of the movement, all
joined with zero resistance. She also informed me that about 75
students or more from Roy High school are helping to create a better
place by continuing to spread the word and the kindness by wearing your
bracelets. I can't wait to hear all the great stories that come from
them. When you look back someday and think about the things you have
done you will have no idea the colossal amount of lives made better by
your movement.
Thanks...again
Ryan
One of the Pay it forward foundation Board Members, Bob Littell, made a 'last minute' entry to American Express, their "Member Project", to benefit some worthy cause which one of their members is promoting. In this case the worthy cause would be the Pay It Forward Foundation. As you know, we make 'mini-grants' to school age kids who come up with projects which are consistent with the Pay It Forward concept.
Bob dashed something off concerning the project he's been doing at Whitefoord Elementary School, in a low-income neighborhood in South Atlanta, teaching 3rd graders his concept of NetWeaving (a Golden Form of networking) and Pay It Forward. To his surprise, he got an email this morning that it had been accepted.
Even though the contest closes out on this Tuesday, August 19, we thought we would send a request out to our supporters and fans of Pay It Forward and see if you might be willing just to forward this message on to anyone in your network to see if there is enough time to get into the TOP 25. It's a long shot but it's worth a try.
Step 1 - Go to www.americanexpress.com <http://www.americanexpress.com/> and you will see an icon up in the upper right-hand corner which says "Members Project".
Step 2 - Click on this icon and then in the 'key word' search block, type 'netweaving' and that will pull up Bob's project - "Change the World - NetWeaving and Pay It Forward".
Step 3 - Vote to support it or even write something nice about the concepts or some great NetWeaving and/or Pay It Forward story, especially one that might involve children.
This morning I had another PIF experience when I was looking at some new "used" office furniture for our upcoming relocation. The guy helping me was an older gentleman and we were in the warehouse, uncooled, and he dropped his "sweat cloth" and I just picked it and gave it him. When he thanked me I gave him my bracelet and then the story started, he had heard of the book and movie and was truly moved by the experience of someone giving him a bracelet simply because he said thanks for me picking up the cloth! I am meeting him later this coming week to look at more furniture in another warehouse and he has asked me to please bring him 2-3 more bracelets so he can join the movement. In the three days that I have worn a bracelet, I have given "my bracelet" away 4 times, all with incredible results! If people will only believe!
I live and work in southern California, and where I have the privilege to live, there is more wealth than one can dream of. There are also a population serving the rich, the mostly Mexican immigrant working poor. I have been building and selling bicycles for my entire professional carrier. I know what it's like to be down and out working hard everyday. That said, there is a bicycle I pass everyday when I walk to lunch at work. It is a beat-up machine I can't believe ever rolled a mile. Well, it was. I'd seen the man who rode it many times before. He works hard and barely speaks when he has to.
I started collecting parts. Frame here, cranks there, you get the idea. I built a bike for him secretly that was much better than he could ever afford to buy, and I built it to fit him like a glove. I didn't know his name, but I took measurements from the bike to work from. Last week, I hid his old bike and waited for him to come for it after work. In its stead I placed the new one I'd built over the last few months. I put a note on it saying that his bike has been stolen and that this is repayment for the debt. On the back I wrote that his old bike is tuned up and ready around the corner. I walked by casually to see his reaction. He looked at me and I smiled. I offered to hold onto his old one, if he still wanted it, in the shop. He explained to me as best he could that the bike was his sons, and that he no longer had to ride the bus. I smiled and said that it is good to not have to rely on others, but it is sometimes our only hope, and it can be scary. Seeing him so moved made me cry later. No money can buy that moment and no one can take away that mans' dignity. That was the best idea I had in some time.
~Bike Guy~
This morning I was in the grocery store buying cookies for a client and the guy in front of me had a lot of groceries and there was no one to bag so the checker was starting to bag and he said, "No you take care of the other guy and I can my own groceries, he only has one item". I took of my bracelet and gave it to him and told him the story and he almost started crying. When I got to my car I grabbed a couple of bracelets still in the package and went over to his car and gave them to him and he told me this was already the best day he had had in years and he was so pleased to learn about Pay it Forward.
I offer my services as a professional photographer to non-profits for
free and if anyone wants my services I ask them to make out a check to
the non-profits I support. I have a great job which allows me to be a
philanthropic professional photographer on weekends.
Museums and non-profit organizations associated with events photographed
including Air Shows and Reenactments may obtain digital images of their
event free of charge upon request. Such requests must originate from
marketing or public relations representatives of those events. Please
provide: contact name, title, mailing address and telephone number as
well as 501(c) (3) non-profit information. If the photographs are to be
used on a web site or in print, credit as to source must be given in
addition to a link to this web site.
If your organization is not a non-profit or you as an individual would
like to have my photography services, please contact me. I do not sell
my photography, though I will provide my services in exchange for a
sizable donation to a non-profit organization of my choice in your name
or the name of your organization. My services are limited to Southern
California from Bakersfield to the Mexican border. It will be my sole
decision if my photography services will be provided. If the event or
activity is suitable for inclusion on my web site, the photographs will
be made available there as well in addition to being placed on CD for
your use. There are no printing services or photographic packages
available.
Gar Travis
www.garphoto.com
On the 12th of August I received an anonymous package filled with all kinds of goodies such as diapers,wipes, gift certificates etc. Along with the package was the bracelet and a letter stating that it was my turn. So part of my pay it forward is to pass out bracelets and get other people to start doing something for someone else with no expectations. I need approximately 250 bands if possible. Thanks for responding so quickly, it was greatly appreciated.
Thanks again,
Peggy Masiker
I have been working with victims of domestic violence since 2001. I work in a county that responds to thousands of domestic violence offenses every year. Our office works closely with the victims and the community in an attempt to educate everyone on what domestic violence is and what WE ALL need to do to help stop this epidemic. October is “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” and at the end of the month the Women’s Resource Center sponsors a candlelight vigil in honor of the victims of domestic violence that have passed in the last year. It is a very touching event that makes everyone realize that the mortality rate of domestic violence victims is still high and we have a lot of work to do. This year at the vigil the office really wanted to make a positive impact on the living victims and give them strength to stay out of abusive relationships. With this idea in mind the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office put together a choir that will sing “Overdue Goodbye”, a song that praises an abused person for leaving a bad situation. We asked Pizazzz Promotions to help up with shirts for the choir which Jan donated. In addition to the shirts she gave our entire choir your “Pay it Forward” bracelet as well as extras to hand out to the participants at the vigil in October. When I handed out the bracelets at rehearsal the participants were overwhelmed that people we didn’t even know would do such nice things to promote our cause. The “Pay it Forward” concept with the shirts, the bracelets and the women that volunteered their lunch hours to participate in our choir truly gives me great hope. I think we are catching on…each of us must share the responsibility to improve the quality of life for ALL.
Jan I can’t thank you enough for the shirts and passing on the “Pay it Forward” bracelets to me, the choir, and the all those that will receive them in October - in memory of the victims lost to domestic violence and in celebration of those saved…THANK YOU!!
I want to let you know that last night we had company for dinner. Don
Baker and his wife Cathy were here. Of course, Dad and I had our
braclets on. He and his wife were so impressed with the whole idea of
the braclets and what they stand for. Cathy asked me if she could
please have mine. Of course I gave it to her. (I know you can give me
another) She told me she was going to contact PIF organization, as she
would like to really get on the band wagon and pass this around to
others. It's just a great way to remind ourselves and other people to
just do something nice for someone. It's contagious!! AND, in this
world, there's ALWAYS the opportunity.
What a difference this can make. It's beautiful.
Sam Butera, saxman, always ended his sets with this saying: "It's nice
to be important, but it's more important to be nice." Isn't that a
great quote!
Keep up the great work
Hi,
Thank you for the bracelet you gave me on Saturday. I just want you to know your "Pay It Forward" bracelets are making a difference. On Sunday night I was on the way to my mother's house to help her get my grandfather to the ER. I stopped in Dunkin Donuts at about midnight since I knew it would be a long night. I saw a homeless man in filthy clothing and tattered socks and no shoes sleeping at a table. I could tell he hadn't had a meal in a long time, so I bought him a Dunkin Donuts gift card for ten dollars and left it on the table in front of him. The man working in the store said he would be sure he the homeless man would not leave his store without it.
If you wish to publish this on your site, you have my permission to do so. You might want to consider having a "Pay It Forward" section where this and other's stories could be seen and compiled. Perhaps something like "Tell us your paying it forward story". Hopefully this would inspire someone else, too.
We are making I difference in the world.
Paying it Forward,
Carole
I wanted to share a few stories regarding the success of our 'Musicians PAYING IT FORWARD' campaign. Joe Hughes and I started distributing the bracelets this past weekend at two specific shows. THE RESPONSE WAS GREAT! We handed out close to 300 bracelets and made it really 'touch home' when we spoke about PIF and why we do what we do. I've attached an email we received from a patron at our show on Saturday night. She tells of her initial opportunity to PIF and what it meant to her.
On another front, last Thursday Joe and I received a call from our contact person at the USO (we've performed at various benefits for them) telling us that they are in desparate need of a vehicle to transport military families to and from McGuire Air Force Base. Joe and I used our connections with the local Chamber of Commerce who introduced us to an individual who runs a local VFW. That person is purchasing a BRAND NEW 15 SEAT VAN for the USO! When we informed the USO of this news, they were blown away!
We don't know why these events fell into place the way they did, we were just very happy to help an organization that does SO MUCH for so many individuals.
Best Regards,
Danny Rongo
Musicians PAYING IT FORWARD
www.myspace.com/dannyrongo
We had two 4 year olds raise donations to buy crayons for the local elementary schools. So a lot of parents needed help with school supplies. The girls raised enough money to buy 574 boxes of crayons and they donated them last night. Here's a link to the video. It's under "kids helping kids"
Paying It Forward at Grandview Terrace Residential Center
Grandview Terrace has a unique way of giving back to the community. In May a premiere life care community located in Sun City West, under the leadership of the Customer Service Committee kicked off the Pay It Forward program.
The residents and staff of this fine community give back to the local communities each month by sponsoring different events presented by the committee. The committee is made up of managers, directors and front line staff that brainstorm to come up with events to enrich their local communities.
The program is designed after the Pay It Forward movement that is the direct result of a book made into a screen play several years ago. It has started a movement all across the world.
The Pay It Forward bracelet has been generously donated to our community by SnugzUSA. The company makes the bracelets specifically for the Pay It Forward movement and donates them to communities, schools and other organizations who believe in this movement. The bracelet is given to those who participate in the events. They are encouraged to present the bracelets in the community when a kind gesture has been observed to get the kindness chain reaction started.
The excitement this has caused in this one Life Care community has lead to blood drives sponsored by the American Red Cross and currently in the donation of back to school supplies to the Nadaburg School in Wittmann Arizona says committee representative Melody Sandberg – Dixon.
The community has the following events planned through the end of the year. Personal gift boxes for the battered women’s shelters, donation of supplies and time to local animal shelters and Toys for Tots with the assistance of the Surprise police department.
If there is one thing that we can all do as a community it is to help those in need. After the residents of Grandview Terrace had the opportunity to view the movie the excitement has been non stop. The participation in this spirit of the heart and mind has generated good will within the facility as well as in the community says Resident Council Chair, Mr. Florentine.
Grandview Terrace has always been a wonderful place. With the support of the residents and staff this community plans to change lives, communities and make its mark in the world by Paying It Forward one favor at a time.
The Grandview life care community is owned and operated by Roskamp/Sun Health Residential Services, L.L.P. and is a partnership of the continuum of health services provided by Sun Health.
About Roskamp Arizona
Roskamp Arizona Management & Development provides development and management services to senior residential, commercial medical office buildings and other related projects in the northwest and southwest Phoenix areas. Roskamp Arizona was established in 2002 and has over 450 employees. It currently manages over 650,000 square feet of medical office space, and three continuing care retirement communities including The Colonnade in Sun City Grand, La Loma Village in Litchfield Park and Grandview Terrace in Sun City West. Visit Roskamp online at www.RoskampAZ.com.
“Pay it Forward” is a really inspiring movement! When I first heard about it, I was shocked and happy to see how regular people go around and change the world for the better. I want to be a part of that. I’m going to spread the world to my friends and family about “pay it forward” and I hope they do the same. This movement has really brought back my faith for the human race. Even an ordinary little boy can make an extraordinary impact on the world.
-Rachel age 17
Pennsylvania
Pay it Forward is such an impactful movement and I am proud to say I will be a part of it. To think that this small idea came from one person, it’s astounding. If leaders like me, who attend a leadership training camp did this, it’d defiantly be big. I have faith in this movement. Faith that we as people will make the world a better place on day. Thank You.
-Chloe age 15
New Jersey
The pay it forward movement is a very powerful movement, knowing that a twelve year old started the movement. I believe that anyone can “pay it forward”, it seems like a very easy thing to do. It’s easy as helping someone with a financial need or just letting someone borrow a sweatshirt when they’re cold. I will try to pay it forward to anyone who needs it; a friend or a stranger. I will help them. Thank You for passing on the message of paying it forward.
-Lizzy age 16
State College, PA
To me, Pay it Forward is the push to have the world and it’s people remember that love is what we all need to survive. Participating in random acts of kindness, even to just one person, can drastically change the world. By brightening up just one persons life, the domino effect can and will reach the people who need it most. Everyone deserves to be happy and Pay if Forward gives everyone that chance.
-Dani age 18
Philadelphia, PA
The Pay it Forward movement is a domino effect. It’s spreads like a disease, it brings out the best of you in your life. The random acts of kindness is a minor delight of what happens after you see the person’s face and then they simply reply “Thank You”. It makes you think there actually is some good in the world, and that possibilities become possible.
-Tesia age 16
Wilmington, DE
When we watched Pay it Forward, the movie, my first thoughts were “Wow, those directors and writers are really smart and moving.” However, when we were told that is was a true story, my mind started running. All these people were really impacted by this boys’ history project and I started to think of something, anything that I have done in the past that fits ‘Pay it Forward’. It really makes you think, makes you wonder about people. Who would say Thank You? Would they pay it forward? This movement is impactful because it challenges people to put their faith in humanity and trust that people will pay it forward too. I know that I personally will work to pass my bracelet on and keep this movement going.
-Gailmarie age 17
New Jersey
The movement Pay it Forward is an amazing movement which I believe that if people give just a little effort then the world can be a better place. Like in the movie, a 7th grader changed so many people, if a small child can do something like that, then why can’t we as a country. To think one person helps 3 people or even one and then that person helps another then the chains have been placed and they have been smelted from gold. Love is the key ingredient in this product, even if that love is small; it’s not with out care and consideration. I think that this movement if put to use by the right of caring mind’s and hearts, will succeed in changing this world, it needs more of these random acts of kindness, even if they seem small, to that person you help, it means the world to them.
-Clarence age 19
Elkridge, MD
The world is full of people who need care, love, or a simple act of kindness in order to show that this life is worth living. We see people every day that are struggling with some kind of inner battle. By Paying it Forward you impact others and have faith that they will impact others. Our world is losing faith in the people around us. When you pay if forward, you show the world that there is still faith, love, and kindness. The movement pay it forward can be a talk with a small cup a coffee, but it changes the person for the better. By spreading the love you change the world. Celebrate the life of others as well as yours. One small boy wanted to change the world in a big way. I know that he started the line of people that changed my life and I hope I can change the life of someone. Reach your hand out and support a person whether you know them or not.
-Santina age 17
Bellefonte, PA
My wife and I make a habit of “Paying It Forward”, trying at least once a week to do something…………
Sometimes it’s just telling the barista at the Starbuck’s drive-thru to pick up the car in back of us………we also live in a community that’s known as a great place for ‘retirement’………..dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, the Home Plate, usually also involves picking an elderly individual (or couple) out of the crowd, and asking our waitress for their check also………..one of the last ones was an older gentlemen who pestered the waiter until he relented and told him who paid – he came up to us with tears in his eyes, and asked if we knew him………my answer was “Yes, you’re a friend of mine – starting today !”…………
I would love to have a dozen or so of the bracelets, so I can pass them out when we do this
Thanks……….
Earl
Director - IT Service Center
Alltel Communications, Inc.
Hi pay it forward,
I wanted to give you an update on what we have been doing. The children planted their garden for the needy on June 1st and now tomorrow, August 5th they will be harvesting it and taking it to the local food pantry. All 3 local tv stations will be doing a story on it for us and one newspaper. We also had two four year olds raise enough money to buy 574 boxes of crayons that they will be donating to the local school system. I think the word is starting to spread about paying it forward. Hopefully after the tv interviews, it will spread even more and more people will become involved helping others.
Thanks,
Debbie Micola
Santa's Pantry
"Pay It Forward"
www.santaspantry.org
Hello pay it forward,
Hey I just wanted to let you know that I have been sharing the Pay it Forward bracelets and story around since we spoke last. It is really awesome to see the results and reactions. I also wanted to tell you about what happened to me this Saturday (8/2/08) while I was working at Chili’s in Riverdale.
I was waiting on a table as normal, kind of on autopilot after a pretty slow shift. It was a family of four, mother, father, son, daughter and they were not very talkative or interactive. The mother noticed the pay it forward bracelet and asked about it. I told her about how I had heard about it and what it was about. She became very excited and wanted to know more. I still had the box that you sent me in my car so I went and grabbed her about five or so. She told me that she worked at a natural food store and has about 5-10 cashiers that work under her supervision and thought that it would be great to get them involved. I finished taking care of them and handed her husband the bill (which was only $30) and thanked them for coming in. I went to take care of my other tables and when I returned to close out the check, she left me a $50 bill and thanked me for helping spread the word about such a great inspiration.
Its funny how people have the power to do good things at any given moment, but never really have inspiration to do so unless prompted by some other means. Thank you for creating the means for inspiring good deeds. I hope that you see all of the return and more for your effort into this project.
Have a great day
Ryan Wilson
Brandywine Assisted Living at Middlebrook Crossing Pays It Forward!
Brandywine Assisted Living at Middlebrook Crossing is located in Bridgewater, NJ and is ready to Pay It Forward!
We are beginning a movement in Somerset County to Pay It Forward and encourage the community to do the same.
Our residents at Middlebrook Crossing believe that helping the community is important and necessary in this society we live in today.
