Deeds

The LA Times calls it the last perfect place. And now it is forever to remain. Thanks to the generous donation of Jack and Laura Dangermond, hundreds and hundreds of acres of wild California coast and headlands will be preserved.

Why this huge section of land? About 50 years ago the Dangermonds honeymooned here. Between then and now, they built a computer mapping service that his netted them significant monies, a portion of which they are happy to give to good causes. Their $165 million gift to the Nature Conservancy allows these precious lands to be preserved.

At Hooray Cafe, any time beautiful things are preserved we feel that is good news worthy of notice. Thanks, Jack and Laura Dangermond!

“It helps us remember that there are amazing people out there, caring people out there, all over the place. That is incredible.”

Chad Brown, a former war zone soldier who suffered from PTSD, found solace and salvation in a river. His organization today helps fellow soldiers, inner-city kids, and others find peace in a wild place.

Imagine if everyone went through their day with an open mind and kind heart. Imagine the world with people and communities that were there at any time to assist, with literally anything that you needed, in that moment.

The below social experiment is essentially a reflection of the very difference between egoism and altruism. It’s the difference between selfish and selfless. Society has become so guarded and fearful that some literally do not even know how to respond to the question that is asked in the video. Many just stare blankly, stunned and in silence, waiting to hear what the catch is.

How do we make the transition from offering a gesture of kindness to offering something meaningful? We must become genuine. In the end, small acts of kindness, delivered from a genuine and selfless heart, are what will make this world a better place.

Do something kind today, and do it with no expectations of anything in return. Do it from a sincere and selfless standpoint, simply to uplift another. In doing so, you very well could change the world, one offering of help at a time.

Spreading kindness and creating a more positive world for us all to live in never gets old. The impact that these types of projects have is inspiring. To see communities across the nation come together, in the name of good conversation, some laughs, and to brighten another’s day, is simply beautiful.

For more information, or how you can become involved, visit the #thekindnessrocksproject site. Learn how you can get started on paying it forward, spreading kindness, and discovering nature and your community, all at the same time! What a great project!

After many months of planning and an entire year’s salary spent, for undisclosed reasons Sarah Cummins and her fiance called off their dream wedding just days before it was scheduled. Due to the last minute cancellation, nearly all of the $30,000 invested was non-refundable. But what could have easily become heartache became an opportunity for Sarah to give back to her community.

After making several phone calls and some minor adjustments to the reception hall, Sarah was able to transform her reception into a glamorous evening of dining for the area’s homeless men, women, and children. Sarah even arranged for buses to go to the local homeless shelters to have her guests escorted to the hall, VIP style.

Guests spent the evening enjoying music, laughs, and some fine dining that included bourbon-glazed meatballs, goat cheese and roasted garlic bruschetta, chicken breast with artichokes and chardonnay cream sauce. Oh yes, and wedding cake!

It definitely sounded like a delicious and delightful event. It was a great way to turn a negative into something so positive, and a wonderful way to give back to her community. Sarah, we salute you! What you have done will inspire others to make most of an unfortunate situation and create change for the better.

Upon realizing an acquaintance was living in hotels and everyone in his immediate family had passed away, a single father and his young daughter gave an 89-year old retired soldier a place to call home, by inviting the veteran to live with them. Enjoy this story of an unlikely family made beyond bloodlines.

http://www.wsmv.com/story/37122779/i-dont-think-family-is-all-tied-with-bloodlines-man-takes-in-89-year-old-navy-vet

In Sunriver, Oregon, a firefighter made news by rescuing a deer in the middle of a frozen pond. The cool stories within this story are plentiful:

1. Someone came up with the idea and design of this rescue sled.
2. A company now makes these sleds which have saved thousands of lives…stories we should hear more of.
3. A firefighter risked his life to save an animal in need.
4. A group of folks cheered the firefighter as he saved the deer.
5. The deer and the firefighter connected in a supernatural way.

In a time of peril and sadness, a Samoan fire crew came to California to help save homes, communities, and lives. Please turn up the volume on your device, and watch this moving example of the universe…the one voice…rising to do good.

Utah Woolen Mills, located in  Salt Lake City, Utah, has been in the business of selling suits for 112-years. However, as of January of this year, some very big changes have been made that are helping those in need, in a very big way. The President of the company, B.J.  Stringham, knows that looking good is a great way help somebody feel better about themselves, especially if they have been down on their luck.

In an effort to uplift and assist those that are having a rough time, Stringham and his family have been giving away one suit for every suit that they sell. The recipient of the donated suits are those that are on their way to gainful employment who just need a little pick me up. They are calling this awesome mission “Suited for Good” and so far, they have made many feel as though they can take on the world.

During his interview, Stringham sites the following proverb that has helped guide his mission: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; show him how to catch fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. We’re not trying to just find people who are homeless and put them in suits,” he told TODAY. “That doesn’t really change things. But for someone who’s been down on their luck, maybe lost a job, had an illness or just couldn’t pay a mortgage or their college bills, this can really help.”

Through word of mouth nominations, churches and community organizations, Stringham and his family have worked out a very fair system for who they take into consideration to receive a new suit. Those interested themselves are also more than welcome to visit the company’s candidate website directly and submit an application stating who they are, the obstacles they have faced in life, and how receiving a new look could benefit them.

Our hats off to you Utah Woolen Mills! We here at Hooray Cafe salute you and all of your efforts in paying it forward!