Day 34: Recorded People Telling Jokes

Since learning about the Jokes 4 Miles campaign (please click the link to learn more about it), I have met with and been in contact with Len Austrevich (Miles' father) to let him know I want to help out in any way possible. Something about Len and Miles' mission to fight cancer with humor really struck a cord with me, and so I want to do anything in my power to assist them. Recently, Len was able to coordinate an event at the Chicagoland area Leona's Restaurants where people can come and tell jokes from 5-11 PM. Leona's has also promised to donate 20% of all sales to Miles' cause. Here is where my random act of kindness comes into play. Len needs volunteers to go to the different locations to record people telling the jokes. I am going to meet up later this evening, bring my Flip Cam, and hopefully record hundreds of hilarious jokes told by patrons. However, Len is still in need of some volunteers, so if you live in the Chicagoland area, and have even an hour of time to donate, your help would be very much appreciated. If you are interested, please call 773-669-7546 or email len@jokes4miles.com.

Day 33: Took a Soldier and His Family to a Game

As you have probably noticed, I am a huge fan of supporting the men and women of our armed forces. They give up so much to protect our freedoms and don't ever ask for anything in return. So as this mission of kindness continues, you will see numerous acts done for soldiers both home and abroad. Anything in my power that I can do to show my gratitude towards a soldier will be done. Even if it is something as simple as saying a quick "Thank you", I encourage you to express your appreciation to them in some way.

Today's random act of kindness is one of my attempts to thank a soldier for all that he has done. Along with my wife, I am going to be taking Army Staff Sgt. John La Giglia and his family to a Northwestern basketball game. Staff Sgt. La Giglia recently returned home to Chicago from his second tour in the Middle East and has been serving in the military since 2000. I can barely stay away from my wife and daughter for a few days, so I can't even imagine what he and his family have endured being away from each another for so long. Although I will surely say it later this evening, I want to use this forum to say thank you to Staff Sgt. La Giglia (and all of the men and women of our armed forces). Thank you for making our world a safer place. Thank you for sacrificing so much for your family, for your friends, and even for strangers. Thank you for being someone that my daughter can look up to as a role model as she grows older. Tonight should be a blast!

UPDATE: Tonight was, in fact, a blast. John and his family couldn't have been nicer, and I am so happy that they were able to go. Northwestern surprised everyone by making John and his family honorary captains for the game. They brought them down for a ceremony at midcourt and presented John with a jersey with his name on it. Overall, it was a tremendous night.

Day 32: Put Change in Washing & Vending Machines

The other day I went to go buy a water at a vending machine. When I went to go put in my money, I noticed a dollar bill was taped to the machine with a little note that read "Use Me." Since I already had my money out, and wanted someone else to get the benefit of the dollar, I left it taped there. Although I didn't use the dollar, I am going to use their idea. As I have always stated, getting kindness ideas and suggestions from others is something I welcome. So today, for my random act of kindness, the anonymous person who left the money at the machine has inspired me to do the same as they did. Before leaving my house for work, I am going to put coins into some of the washing machines in my building. Also, I am going to carry dollar bills, coins and tape, and whenever I pass a vending machine, I am going to tape the money near the payment slot. Although I won't be able to know if it happens, I am hoping that people see it and do the same!