Good News! weekdays at 10:20 am on Q-107.3
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Officer Bonds With 94-Year-Old With Weekly Trips To Get Cookies
When 94-year-old Detroit resident Gracie Majors took a fall while riding on a city bus on her way to pick up her favorite molasses cookies from Eastern Market, Detroit Transit Police Sergeant Corey Garrison responded to make sure she was okay. She declined being taken to the hospital, so Garrison insisted on driving her home.
At Major’s home, Garrison met her grandson and asked if it was okay if he came back later to check on the nonagenarian. Garrison and Majors struck up a friendship and the sergeant started making weekly visits to his new friend and accompanying her to the market to get those molasses cookies. “She actually turned me on to those cookies, they are good and remind me of ginger cookies,” Garrison says.
Grateful for Garrison’s assistance and their talks, Majors now looks forward to his visits as does the sergeant. And he says their story demonstrates the valuable community connections that his job can lead to.
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Pit Bull Gets Adopted After Four Years At Shelter
Donatello, the pit bull mix who charmed animal lovers across the U.S. when he was featured in the news as the longest resident of a Kentucky animal shelter, has finally been adopted after spending over four years at the facility. The 5½-year-old dog arrived at the Woodford Humane Society on May 13th, 2019, after being picked up by animal control and not being claimed.
Over the years, Donatello watched as his sheltermates left to go and live better lives with their forever families, but no one came to take him home. Then, last week, a couple with a passion for pit bulls saw Donatello and decided he needed to become part of their family. Marketing Director for the Humane Society, Beth Oleson, reveals that the couple is already working with Donatello on new commands and leash manners, and says, “He’s in very good hands.”
Donatello’s tale reflects common misconceptions about pit bulls. Sara Ondrako, founder of the American Pit Bull Foundation, says that these dogs are individuals, known for their sense of independence and love for human companionship. She dismisses the notion that pit bulls are inherently dangerous, and emphasizes that dogs’ behaviors result from a combination of nature and nurture. She also urges potential adopters to research and understand the dogs’ needs to increase the chance for a successful adoption.
Monday, June 5, 2023
Ohio Man Spreads Kindness By Cleaning Up His Community
A Toledo, Ohio, man is taking neighborhood beautification into his own hands by mowing grass at overgrown abandoned properties and vacant lots. Brett Fry, along with his best friend, has spent the last few weeks providing this free service to uplift his community and spread happiness. “This is all for the joy of making someone else happy,” he says.
Fry estimates that they’ve already spruced up around 10 to 15 properties. His acts of kindness haven’t gone unnoticed, with neighbors taking note and saying how they appreciate his work. He believes that, “One by one we can all make a difference if we just decide to.”
Even though Fry isn’t looking for financial compensation for his acts of kindness, asking nothing for the work he’s doing, he does get the occasional donation from community members who value his work, which Fry says he appreciates “more than anything.” Through his actions, Fry is proving how small acts can transform neighborhoods, one mowed lawn at a time.
Friday, June 2, 2023
Former Teacher Travels Thousands Of Miles To Surprise Students At Graduation
When Tiana Gilbert was teaching middle schoolers at Roberts Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, she became close with four students in particular. Though she has since moved away from Ohio, she’s remained close with the students. So when the time came for her four former students to graduate from Depaul Cristo Rey High School, Gilbert took a 21-hundred-mile road trip to surprise them on the big day.
She hasn’t just been a cheerleader for the four students, but has actively helped them navigate the unique challenges over the years since she was their teacher. All four of the students will be going to college, a first in their respective families for each of them. And Gilbert was instrumental in that process, helping them apply to schools and writing letters of recommendation.
The special relationship that she has with her former students is held mutually. One of the four, Micah Beiser, will be attending Xavier University in the fall and credits Gilbert with helping him to live authentically, saying, “She told me to be myself and don’t change for anybody.” Gilbert was there for each of them at the most important times in their lives so far and doesn’t plan to stop, promising “to be at the next one with them.”
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Blind Navy Veteran Reaches Top Of Mount Everest
Blind Navy veteran Lonnie Bedwell, with the support of his friend Michael Neal and others, recently scaled Mount Everest, making him the fourth blind person to achieve this feat. Bedwell undertook the endeavor primarily “for his community of blinded veterans,” saying, “I did it for them, and I have no reason to do something like that again.”
But Neal insists that Bedwell’s remarkable feat extends beyond his community, inspiring even those without direct ties to blindness or military service. The pair co-founded Sightless Summits, an initiative that challenges blind veterans to conquer the highest peaks on each continent. Everest, a challenging climb for even the most talented sighted climbers, marks the pair’s second summit that they’ve conquered.
Neal describes the effort as particularly demanding for Bedwell, explaining, “Everything on a mountain is harder. Everything is more challenging and more difficult for him.” Despite setbacks, including having their oxygen stolen by another team, Bedwell remained undeterred, completing the climb and setting his sights on another peak in December. The pair are already starting on raising funds for the upcoming adventure.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Wisconsin Boy Sends Bday Cards To Every Kid In His City
Lukas Smith, from Antigo, Wisconsin, has turned a community service project into his full-time hobby. The creative five-year-old has pledged to craft a handmade birthday card for every kid in his small Central Wisconsin town.
Lukas’ mom, Sam Smith, explains, the endeavor began as a means of fulfilling community service hours, but soon turned into an outpouring of Lukas’ love and desire to give back to his community. “He decided that he was going to make birthday cards for every kid in Antigo and that’s what he wanted to do,” she shares. As for what his favorite part is, Lukas explains, “Drawing inside the cards and then outside the cards. Putting stickers on is my favorite.”
For Megan Novak, whose son Eddie received a card from Lukas, it made his birthday that much more special, spotlighting Lukas’ wish “to spread happiness and just share some joy with the other kids.” Needless to say, Lukas’ dedication to spreading kindness has raised the spirits of his whole community, but it’s also brought immense joy and pride to his mother: “I’m so proud of him,” she confesses.
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Social Media Leads Houston Man To Donate Kidney To A Stranger
For more than a decade, Houston resident Dave Barrett has been battling an autoimmune disease and in 2021, his worsening condition led to kidney failure. His survival required kidney dialysis treatment three times a week, but that was unsustainable and his friends and family started the search for a kidney donor.
Barrett’s wife posted to the neighborhood app Nextdoor to get the word out about their kidney search and the post was seen by their neighbor Benny Hooper. For years, Hooper had been thinking about becoming a living organ donor and was inspired to take the leap after reading Barrett’s story. The two men contacted one another and realized they had a lot in common. They both drove the same make and color car, both had dogs named Lulu, both lived in the same neighborhood, and as it turns out, they were a perfect match for a kidney transplant.
The neighbors underwent successful transplant surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital. Hooper has completely healed and is back to his normal routine, while Barrett is feeling better than he has in many years. And through the process, Barrett and Hooper have become close friends. Barrett hopes other people will hear their story and be inspired to donate, saying, “There’s a lot more need than there are kidneys available.”
Monday, May 29, 2023
California School’s Entire Graduating Class Accepted To 4-Year Universities
Collegiate Charter High School in Boyle Heights, California, celebrates another landmark as it sends its entire graduating class to four-year universities for the fourth time in five years. The school, which serves one of the densest Latino populations living at or below the poverty level, marked this achievement with a special “Senior Signing Day.”
The accomplishment is especially significant because most of the graduates come from low-income, Spanish-speaking immigrant families. Additionally, a majority of the students will be making history as the first in their families to attend college, or even graduate from high school. Principal Hector Alvarado expressed his pride in being part of their journey, saying his students will “help solve some of the biggest, toughest problems our society faces today.”
Collegiate Charter emphasizes the pursuit of higher education as a critical tool to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. “These 45 Collegiate scholars are proving that, with the right supports, a rigorous curriculum, and dedicated teachers, any student can reach their college dreams in the City of Los Angeles,” Alvarado says. In addition to each and every student getting into a four-year university, the graduating class has also earned a combined total of $630-thousand in scholarships.
Friday, May 26, 2023
WWII Vet Officially Gets Diploma 80 Years After Missing Graduation For War
On Sunday, May 14th, Fred Taylor of La Mesa, California, walked the graduation stage at Cornell College in Iowa, 80 years after missing his graduation because he was called up for duty in World War II. “My only regret is missing my graduation ceremony,” said the vet, who left at the end of his senior year in college to serve in the Army Air Corp Reserve following Pearl Harbor.
Cornell College President Jonathan Brand described the ceremony as “heartwarming” and “emotional.” Taylor’s daughter, Linda Taylor, a professor emeritus at the University of Miami, first contacted Cornell College to see if it was possible for her father to walk across the stage and finish what he started. Brand was onboard with the idea, saying it was important to honor a man who “left college so that he could help literally save the world from the greatest threat.”
The 101-year-old received a standing ovation as he was introduced and walked onto the stage. He then led the graduating class in moving their tassels from right to left. Despite his vast life experience, the vet says he doesn’t have much in the way of advice to offer his fellow graduates. He simply wishes them well in their future endeavors.
Thursday, May 25, 2023
High School Grad Has Perfect Attendance Since Kindergarten
Michigan student Emma Jones is about to graduate from high school having never missed a single day of school since kindergarten. The Taylor High School senior has also never been late to a class and is set to graduate with a 3.8 GPA. “In middle school, I received awards all three years for perfect attendance,” Jones recalls, “So once I moved to the high school, that’s when I kind of made it my goal to do this.”
Notably, Jones’ habit of never missing school started even earlier than kindergarten – she didn’t miss a day of pre-K, although she admits, “they didn’t really keep track of that.” The Detroit area teen even managed to keep her flawless record through the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a shift to online classes – a period she admits was “a little bit difficult to do.”
Jones plans to study nursing at Henry Ford College in Dearborn, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother. While her classmates prepare for senior skip day, she intends to stick to her routine: “The hardest thing right now is senior skip day, but I’ll be in school.” Her mother says she’ll make up for it with a special trip this summer.
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Tween Rushes To Save Choking Twin Brother’s Life At School
A quick-thinking 12-year-old girl in Massachusetts is being hailed a hero for saving her twin brother from choking. Earlier this month, Amelia Loverme was having lunch with her twin brother Charlie at Leicester Middle School when he choked on a piece of cheese.
Surveillance video caught the moment that the panicking tween gestured to his throat. “I thought I was going to pass out, or like die,” Charlie recalls. As other students back away from him, unsure what to do, his sister rushes toward him and, despite having no formal training, she starts performing the heimlich maneuver on him. After a couple of attempts, Amelia dislodges the obstruction, likely saving his life.
The twins’ mother, Christy Ruth, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Kids need to pay attention and look out for one another, and I’m just grateful that Amelia did.” For her part, the tween says she was just doing what she thought was right, saying, “I just knew that I needed to help him.” Amelia was recognized by her school for her lifesaving effort and local officials plan to give her an award too.
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Kids Write Impressive Resumes For Shelter Dogs & Get Them Adopted
Students at Polk Middle School in Albuquerque’s South Valley have joined forces with the Bernalillo County Animal Care Center to help long-term shelter dogs find loving homes. The collaboration started last fall when the animal shelter shared photographs and stories of the hard-to-place pets with art and writing students at Polk.
Under the guidance of Ms. McCrady, art students painted portraits of the dogs while writing students in Ms. Arriaga’s class penned first-person appeals on behalf of the dogs. Each kennel then displayed these creative and touching works, making them accessible to all shelter visitors. Then this spring, Mr. Beverly‘s seventh-grade gifted class took the project a step further by creating “resumes” for the dogs, highlighting their individual skills and tricks. The objective was to showcase traits that would make each dog a perfect addition to a family.
The resumes seemed to really help, because by May 17th, six of these dogs have found their ‘fur-ever’ homes. Animal Protection New Mexico Education Director Sherry Mangold praised the students, saying the successful adoptions were due to the students’ “empathy and concern for shelter dogs.”
Monday, May 22, 2023
Engagement Ring Lost Down Toilet Found After 14 Months
A man in Chino Hills, California, has been reunited with an engagement ring that spent over a year in the sewer system. The ring made its way into the depths last March after his soon-to-be stepson accidentally flushed it down the toilet. At that time, he removed the toilet and even hired someone to run a camera down the plumbing. They were able to spot the ring but were afraid they might have pushed it further down the pipes.
The man then enlisted the help of city maintenance workers who scoured the sewer system and city main line using a pipe inspection camera of their own, but even though they came up empty handed, they told the man to not give up hope.
Then last week, during a routine maintenance check, the city crew spotted the ring. After a thorough sterilization, it was returned to the owner, 14 months after it started its journey into the depths. The man posed for a picture with the Chino Hills sanitation crew, who were all clearly excited to have helped the man recover the ring.
Friday, May 19, 2023
Ohio Triplets Become Co-Valedictorians & Salutatorian
Over the weekend, Ohio triplets Sadie, Caydin, and Gage Barker graduated from Sebring McKinley High School as co-valedictorians and salutatorian. All their lives they’ve done everything together, but co-valedictorian Sadie admits that the honor “still feels great.”
In addition to being recognized as the top performers of their graduating class, the Barker triplets have also earned multiple scholarships. After graduation, Caydin and Sadie are headed to the University of Cincinnati where they plan to major in engineering, while Gage plans to enter trade school to become an electrical lineman.
The siblings are quick to credit their success to their support system. “We have really great parents and teachers,” Sadie says. “I don’t know where we would be without some of them. They really pushed us to be the people we are today.”
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Teen Athletes Who Beat The Same Cancer Go To Prom Together
Star high school athletes, Vivian Eagle, a 17-year-old junior from Avon, Indiana, and her friend Cade Thompson, 18, from Indianapolis, both faced an opponent much tougher than any they’d met on the sports fields: osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer. The pair connected through their mothers, who recognized that their children needed someone who could relate to their struggle. The two became best friends, with Cade—who was diagnosed eighteen months before Vivian—providing invaluable support and understanding.
Vivian spent 80 nights in the hospital and underwent 32 chemo infusions, but with Cade’s help, she made it through. Both Vivian and Cade are now NED, meaning no evidence of disease, with Vivian celebrating seven months cancer-free at her school’s prom, which she attended with Cade, who‘s been cancer free for two years. Both still undergo regular scans to ensure the cancer hasn’t returned.
Treatment forced both teens to give up sports, but Cade, a high school senior, was able to return to his sports career and is planning a future in modeling and acting, and he wants to create a line of chemo-friendly clothing. Vivian has a longer road to get back to where she was pre-cancer, but her mom says the same stubbornness and determination that helped her in her battle against cancer will carry her through. Despite the hardships, the bond between Vivian and Cade has been a silver lining in their tragic story, a friendship that will “last forever,” according to Vivian.
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Over 40 Families Of Strangers Go To 12-Year-Old’s Bday Party After Friends Didn’t Show
Dozens of families came out to celebrate a 12-year-old boy’s birthday party in Columbia, South Carolina, after all his school friends were unable to attend. Jamel Nichols had originally invited his entire class to his slime-themed bash, but was disappointed when no one could make it. So his mom, Zenas Jett, turned to a local Facebook group for help.
“So my son is having a slime obstacle course party tomorrow but all of his classmates bailed,” Jett writes on social media, “Would anyone be willing to come show him some support?” Her post sparked quite a reaction, garnering over 100 responses and leading to an unexpected crowd showing up to Jamel’s birthday bash.
Among the attendees was Ashley Berendzen, who jumped at an opportunity for her children to get some valuable social experience, especially given one of her sons has autism. “Everyone at this party was so friendly and warm and inviting,” she says. The grateful birthday boy was overjoyed at the turnout and thanked the attendees, saying, “You could have been somewhere else, you could have been doing what you wanted to do but instead, you came to my party, so thank you.” What could have been a disappointing day for Jamel turned out to be a celebration he’ll never forget.
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Mom Of 9 Graduates From Medical School On Way To Being Neurosurgeon
Arizona mother of nine, Sarah Merrill, recently graduated from Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona, and is set to begin her neurosurgery residency at Indiana University next month. Now 41, Merrill started her journey to medicine when she was a 17-year-old at Dartmouth College as a pre-med major. It was there that she met her husband and they had her first child.
Merrill initially planned to go straight into medical school but decided to put her schooling on hold to become a stay-at-home mom while her first daughter was young. Over the years, she and her husband expanded their family to nine children. Merrill never gave up on wanting to go into medicine and worked part-time in medical research. And then when her youngest child was two, she decided to go back to school.
Her family, including her mother, made the move together from Pennsylvania to Arizona so Merrill could attend medical school. At first, she thought she might just get her master’s degree, but decided to go all-in and follow her original dream of getting a degree in medicine. She encourages other women to not give up on their dreams and to “set the goals that are what you’re really passionate about,” and focus on each step to achieve them.
Monday, May 15, 2023
Mom, Dad & Daughter Graduate From Texas University Together
When Ashley Adams graduated from Texas Lutheran University (TLU), over the weekend, she did so alongside her parents, Robyn and Greg Adams, marking a historic first for the university. Adams was completing her education degree while her mother earned a master’s degree in accounting and her father, a retired Army veteran, graduated with a business major.
The family began their studies separately, with Ashley’s parents initially attending Northeast Lakeview College. However, they transferred to TLU after falling in love with the campus during their daughter’s admission process. Despite the age gap with their peers, Robyn and Greg have embraced campus life. Robyn served as a supplemental instructor for an accounting course and Greg joined the golf team.
Ashley says her parents had put off their own education to start a family but later decided to return to school. “I remember how proud I was when they decided to go back to school at a local community college,” she says. After graduation, Ashley hopes to become a math teacher, while her parents have secured jobs at a CPA firm and Randolph Air Force Base. Greg has encouraging words for anyone thinking of returning to school. “Don’t be afraid; just do it,” he says. “You might have to change your mindset a bit, but just go for it because it’s worth it.”
Friday, May 12, 2023
World’s Oldest Dog Celebrates 31st Birthday
After being declared the oldest dog in the world by Guinness World Records earlier this year Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, just celebrated his 31st birthday. Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, threw the pup a “very traditional” Portuguese birthday party with over 100 guests and a dance troupe performance at their home in Conqueiros, a rural village in southern Portugal.
Since being named the world’s oldest dog, Bobi has been enjoying a lot of attention, with journalists and people from around the world coming to meet him. Despite the frequent visitors, Bobi recently got a clean bill of health from his vet, although he does have a some age-related ailments, like trouble with his vision and difficulty walking. Costa attributes Bobi’s longevity to the “calm, peaceful environment” in which he lives.
Besides being the oldest living dog, Bobi also holds the record for the oldest dog ever. Costa, who was only eight when Bobi was born and says seeing his pup is a nice reminder of family members who have passed away, saying, “looking at him is like remembering the people who were part of our family and unfortunately are no longer here.”
Thursday, May 11, 2023
KFC Honors Employee On The Job For 47 Years
After nearly 47 years working at the KFC in West Memphis, Arkansas, Loretta Neely has decided to finally retire. Over the years, she’s held multiple positions at the establishment, eventually rising to the rank of manager. Her coworkers and customers have grown to love and appreciate Neely and now she’s being recognized for her hard work and commitment.
Before joining up with KFC, Neely worked in the cotton fields, but she says her prayers were answered when she got the job at the restaurant the same year she and her husband got married. She says it’s her dedication to serving others and her passion for the job that have kept her going. Neely has come to enjoy working with people, helping them develop their talents, and ensuring their success.
Upon learning of her retirement plans, her managers and the corporate leadership promptly celebrated her, recognizing her passion and strong work ethic. In her honor, the company has created the Loretta Neely Drive and Passion Award, which they’re calling the Living Legend Award. Neely is looking forward to traveling and spending time with her family and church after she retires.
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Holocaust Survivor Throws 1st Pitch At Yankees-Rays Game On 100th Bday
Helen Kahan, a 100-year-old Holocaust survivor, threw the first pitch at a Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees game, cheered on by over 25-thousand spectators. The event took place on Kahan’s 100th birthday and served to honor her and the Florida Holocaust Museum. Kahan’s family members, sporting jerseys with the word “Bubbi,” joined her at the game.
The Rays won the game 5-4 and later closed the series with another victory. Proceeds from the game went to the Florida Holocaust Museum, and the Rays Baseball Foundation presented the museum with an additional $10-thousand grant. Kahan has been sharing her life story with museum visitors for years.
Born Hani Sabo in 1923 in Romania, Kahan says she had a happy childhood before the Holocaust. After surviving multiple concentration camps, she married a fellow survivor, and they had two children. In 1967, Kahan immigrated to the U.S. with her family and went on to have five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Woman Beats Breast Cancer To Graduate College With Honors At 55
Last week, 55-year-old Teresa Cox had a full-circle moment when she completed her first clinical rotation as a nurse at the same cancer center where she received treatment for breast cancer. For Cox, being diagnosed with breast cancer was a “wake-up call” to live authentically, and it only strengthened her desire to help others.
Cox’s interest in the medical field grew out of her personal experiences with her family’s health issues, including her twins’ NICU stay, her son’s mental health struggles, and her mother’s heart condition. But it was her first clinical experience that confirmed she’d chosen the right path. She helped a patient who had survived a near-fatal car crash, and she felt her own life experience made her able to relate.
When she was first diagnosed with cancer, Cox wasn’t sure she’d ever be able to finish her schooling, but she overcame all obstacles and was able to rise to the challenge. On Friday, she graduated near the top of her class at Nebraska Methodist College. “I set the goal when I was a fifth grader,” she says, “So to be here now at 55 … I’m feeling very accomplished today.”
Monday, May 8, 2023
Hero Who Saved Baby In Runaway Stroller Scores A New Job
We told you last week about Ron Nessman, a homeless former truck driver in Southern California who saved a baby in a stroller from rolling out onto a busy roadway. Video of the dramatic rescue has gone viral and prompted praise for Nessman from around the world. At the time of the incident, he was attending a job interview at a nearby Applebee’s and we’re happy to report that he got the job.
Nessman was hired as a dishwasher at the Victorville Applebee’s restaurant. The restaurant’s general manager Emily Canady confirms that the hiring decision was not influenced by the video, saying, “He’s a great guy and he was a great candidate.” Nessman, who has struggled with depression, is thankful for the chance: “I’ll earn everything I get so with that in mind, you know, I appreciate the opportunity that Applebee’s has given me.”
It was days after his heroic rescue when Nessman’s niece told him that the video had gone viral. He says he’s just thankful that the baby and the great-grandaunt are safe and although he says he doesn’t want to capitalize on his newfound fame, a GoFundMe has been set up to help Nessman get started with his new life.
Friday, May 5, 2023
Iowa School Superintendent Gets Bus License To Help During Driver Shortage
When the Solon Community School District in Iowa was facing a bus driver shortage, Superintendent Davis Eidahl took decisive action. The superintendent of the district for the last eight years secured a grant to train new bus drivers and then decided to go the extra mile and participate in the training himself.
The district often has to send out several buses and multiple vans for various school activities, which sometimes leads to a shortage of drivers. So, after obtaining his bus license, Eidahl began driving students to and from school, helping to personally address the shortage. District employees were surprised but appreciative of Eidahl’s efforts. “I think it’s a great way for him to lead by example,” says the district’s director of transportation Dave Johnson. “Obviously, we’re short on drivers, so every driver is crucial at this point.”
Eidahl admits that he was initially nervous about the new role but has come to enjoy the challenge. He also appreciates getting the chance to interact with students in a different setting. His efforts have not only filled a need, but have also fostered a stronger connection with the district he serves.
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Girl Receives Replacement Teddy Bear With Late Mom’s Heartbeat
A four-year-old girl received a new teddy bear with her late mother’s heartbeat, thanks to a collaboration between Build-A-Bear, a radio station, and Goodwill. The girl’s original bear was accidentally donated to a Goodwill Store in Tennessee last month. When her father couldn’t find it, a sign was placed in the store, and a local radio station shared the story on social media, where it gained national attention.
Build-A-Bear’s Public Relations Director, Jamie Ludwig, contacted the station for a description of the custom stuffed animal, and said they were heartbroken over the situation. The company was able to locate a matching Rainbow Sparkle Bear and added the original recording provided by the girl’s grandmother. The new bear was then shipped to the radio station and given to Cynthia Dodson, Communications Director of Goodwill in Knoxville, who met with the girl and her father.
The father expressed his gratitude for the tremendous effort in helping his family. Both Build-A-Bear and Goodwill hope the original bear will be found, but they hope the new bear will provide comfort to the child and her family in the meantime.
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
North Carolina Community Pitches In To Send Special Needs Teens To Prom
A group of special-needs students at Washington High School in Washington, North Carolina, experienced a dream come true when the community came together to help send them to prom. Pam Smith, a proud parent of a special-needs son, expressed her gratitude for the support, saying it was “a blessing and a dream come true.” Donations poured in to help fund prom attire, a dinner at the Washington Yacht and Country Club, photos, and a red carpet leading to a stretch limousine.
Special needs teacher Serena Current emphasized the importance of giving the students the same opportunities as their peers, saying, “People don’t realize how important things like this are for them because they don’t always get the same opportunity as all their peers.” Parent Ebony Sneed echoed this sentiment, saying she wants her child to feel included and equal to others.
The students were excited to hit the dance floor and listen to their favorite songs during the prom night. As they left the Washington Yacht and Country Club in a limousine, community members and loved ones cheered them on with signs and sparklers. Parents report that the students spent the entire night dancing, making for an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Pregnant Wife Of Deployed Marine Treated To $800 Tip
With her first child on the way and her husband, a U.S. Marine, deployed overseas in Okinawa, Japan, Breann Lindholm decided to move back to her home town of Spanish Fork, Utah, to be close to family during the birth. She even got her old job back waiting tables at HuHot Mongolian Grill. During her first shift at the restaurant since she and her husband were in high school, Breann was sharing with a customer how difficult it’s been with him so far away. Breann also shared that he’d recently broken his cellphone, making staying in touch that much more difficult. After the customer left, she was cleaning up the table and realized the man had left her an $800 tip! On the bottom of the check, he’d written, “Buy your husband a new phone. Thank you for the service!” Breann was brought to tears by the kind gesture. Since sharing her story, tips have increased for the entire staff at the restaurant, and customers have been leaving supportive notes. Unfortunately, Breann doesn’t know who the generous customer was, but she wants to thank him for his act of kindness. “It meant a lot to both of us. Without it, we’d still be waiting to get that phone and still be struggling to talk with each other,” she says. “I was amazed by the generosity.”
Monday, May 1, 2023
California Diner Feeds Anyone Who’s Hungry For Free
A few years ago, Collin Doran, owner of the Homemade Cafe in Berkeley, California, had a crazy idea: offer free breakfast to anyone in need. Then during the pandemic, food insecurity became a major problem, so Doran made the policy official and created the “Everybody Eats Program.” The program provides a basic two-eggs breakfast with home fries and toast to anyone who takes a coupon from the diner bulletin board. The only payment that is required is a thank you and paying customers can support the program by adding $5 to their bill, an option that many regulars appreciate. Doran says his customers have reacted positively, either contributing financially or choosing to visit the cafe more often. The program’s popularity has led Doran to give away around 200 meals a month. Despite his initial concerns about how the program might affect the business, Doran has actually seen a 5% increase in their sales. He hopes that his program will inspire other businesses to adopt similar socially responsible practices.
