Every so often, in the midst of a frustrating day or a great deal of worrying, I get an email or call that just lifts me up. The message I got from the CEO of KIND today did just that. In fact, if I had full control of such things, I might declare that I would never eat an energy bar from any other company ever again. Here it is:
Dear KIND Community,
As you know, each month, we ask you to join us in carrying out a signature act of kindness (or what we call a KINDING Mission) with the promise that if enough people Do the KIND Thing, the KIND team will carry out a BIG KIND Act for people that need it most.
Last month, the KIND Community rose to our challenge to give thanks to someone that impacted your life, which triggered our pledge to partner with Philabundance to provide Thanksgiving meals to families facing hunger starting on November 12th.
Now more kindness is urgently needed.
KIND is headquartered in NYC, so our team has witnessed millions of lives being shaken by Hurricane Sandy. We were deeply inspired by the courage from firemen, police officers, paramedics, doctors, National Guard officers, reporters, public sector personnel, utility workers, and others who worked so hard and risked their lives to help others.
Join us in honoring and KINDING them.
To us, this was a situation in need of an immediate BIG KIND Act. We felt that reaching out starting on Tuesday evening would bring the most joy and appreciation to those who were giving aid – and those in need of aid.
I am most inspired by my team members – many of whom had no power, or whose homes flooded or had to be evacuated – who took the initiative to distribute so far over 10,000 KIND bars and KIND Healthy Grains at emergency shelters, fire stations, hospitals, utility offices and police departments across the East Coast.
Now, we ask you to join us in either of these ways to show your support for these first responders who’ve demonstrated selflessness and kindness:
Our team will continue to personally share tens of thousands of bars along with ‘thank you’ cards to emergency personnel across the region throughout the next week – and we’d like to have your words printed on the cards. Simply email a note of thanks or an inspiring quote to KINDAHOLICS@KINDsnacks.com and we will deliver it on your behalf to our local heroes.
We also invite you to visit KINDmovement.com and post any stories and images of how you are joining in the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts – knowing every act of kindness counts.
We hope you and your families are safe. Thank you for being part of the KIND Movement.
Sincerely,
Daniel Lubetzky
Founder & CEO, KIND
Could that be more awesome!? Please support this effort – it is FREE and EASY! All you need to do is be KIND!
The second thing that lifted my spirits this week was learning about the opportunity to support our friend Christy Matson in a new crowdsourcing effort to buy a loom for her art work. USA Projects is a great, non-profit organization that helps artists by providing them with a platform to run fundraising campaigns to support artists in their practices. Check out (and please consider supporting) Christy’s project here. Like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, fundraisers can offer incentives in return for your support. The cool thing about USA Projects is that you can support artists you like and also get a piece of their work – not to mention a tax deduction (Another win-win!) Check it out!
Speaking of crowdsourcing, I learned about another cool site this week. Check out Outgrow.me, the first marketplace for successfully funded Kickstarter and Indiegogo projects that you can actually order or preorder right now. I love the creative ideas on display and for sale and that fact that people’s dreams are coming to fruition! (I see some interesting holiday gifts on the horizon!)
The third thing that lifted my spirits this week was making a donation to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts in New Jersey.
How about you? Anything happen to make you smile this week?
Need to take your mind off things for a while? Check out some fun deals:
> In Chicago? Check our this deal at Artizone Chicago to support their Part of the Loop program. Use code LVP38PMSBN for free delivery on your order of $40+. Expires 11/3. And don’t forget to check that POL box at checkout to help in our neighborhood at Lakeview Pantry. Artizone has awesome local foods and great ideas for Thanksgiving deliveries that can be pre-ordered.
> Hey moms want to be more like Jessica Alba? Check out $25 for $50 at her baby care line Honest Company from Gilt City (new customers only.)
> Check out this great deal on holiday cards, stationery and wall art at 60% off from Paper Culture from Daily Candy Deals. Skip the mass holiday email. Spread good cheer with delightfully mod greetings, invitations, and announcements that can be individually personalized with a photo or a custom message. (Paper Culture will even take care of mailing for you.)
> Like James Jeans? Bloomspot has $60 for $120 on James Jeans’ online site!
> Need to go to Vegas? Check out great deals at THEhotel @ Mandalay Bay from $68.00 per night (2 night minimum) including a $75 room credit per stay also from Bloomspot.
> While you are in Vegas, you may be able to use these awesome folding flats ($10 for $20 on Daily Candy Deals)fromFit in the Clouds. These lightweight, foldable flats come with a drawstring pouch and can be easily tucked into your purse or bag. (Most pairs under $25)
Last thing for today… Check out a bunch of events on 1.1.2013 to support health and wellness called “Commitment Day.” I like their premise “A Healthy Way of Life all starts here. Forget making a resolution. Make a commitment. Share it with friends, family members, and the whole world. You’ll feel good, and inspire someone else to make a positive change.” 5K runs and events (in 30+ cities in the US) are $39 for adults and you can get $5 off with the code CORP0290. All kids can register for free with every paid adult. You can register more than one child per paid adult.
The husband and I are heading out to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary for 2 weeks. I will try to post a marathon report (if I get there in time and to the race — will report one way or another) and a few posts while we are away. I hope that things return to normal for my east coast friends and family and all left in the wake of Sandy. Take care and be well!