Final thoughts

This year was a big year for this project. I stretched myself more than usual, in part because I scaled back so much last year. This was also a challenging year in some ways because my life is already pretty full (and pretty crazy). But thankfully I have a very supportive wife, and very understanding family.

I also tried to make more noise about the project this year. I generally don't like to be the center of attention, and it always feels weird to brag about stuff like this. But at the same time, one of my favorite aspects of all this is hearing from other people who were motivated to go do something because of what I'm doing here. Every year I hear from people who are doing things they wouldn't have done otherwise, and that makes me want to figure out how to make this whole thing even bigger. And then as soon as it's over I happily slip back into stealth kindness mode.

Thanks for following along. Hopefully a few of you were inspired to squeeze in a little extra kindness here and there even if you didn't let me know about it. And if you're really inspired and want to try to do a similar project, feel free to contact me with any questions or advice.

Here's a gallery I put together of all the stuff from this year. Enjoy!

Winner!

We have a winner in the drawing! The winner is James! Congratulations James, I will be in touch with you.

Day 47

Today I participated in a chili cook-off for charity. The competition was great, and the whole event was a lot of fun. I managed to finish second in the voting, which meant I got the amazing trophy pictured here. As far as I can tell it's a beauty pageant trophy with a small picture of a bowl of chili taped over her bouquet. Best. Trophy. Ever.

Also a great way to finish off my 47 days.

Day 46

Today I shaved my head. This was a fundraiser for childhood cancer research through St. Balderick's Foundation. This one's dedicated to Jake.

A few notes:

1. My scalp is stained blue in a few places from my dye job yesterday. Maybe I should turn it into a map of Earth

2. My wife has decreed that I should definitely pick a different fundraiser next year

3. Brrrrr!

Day 45

Today was an accidental triple play. First I bought breakfast from a fundraising event at my office.

Then, Steph found out a couple of our friends are having some cash flow problems, so she conspired to get some presents for their two kids, already wrapped and tagged with the parents' names.

And finally, we donated a huge box full of old shoes to Planet Aid.

Day 44

Today I bought a couple candy bars from a co-worker's kid's fundraiser. The name of these chocolate bars makes a pretty bold claim, and, well let's just say I'm glad it's for a good cause.

Day 43

I had planned on donating to the local food bank as I have in years past, but this year I discovered a cheat. PORCH is an organization that started right here, and is gradually expanding into other communities in the region, and even into other states.

The idea is extremely simple. Once a month, signs appear in the neighborhood, reminding people to put out non-perishable food on their front porch. Someone in the community maintains a list of participating houses, and volunteers go around and collect all the donations so they can be delivered to local food pantries.

They also work with local farms, markets, grocery stores, churches, schools, doctor's offices, hospitals, and shelters, to get food (and sometimes books) to those in our community who need it.

Day 42

As often happens, I had something else in mind today, but after two nights in a row out past my bedtime, and an early morning (all day) Cub Scout event, I am beat. Today I made a donation to Paws4ever, a local animal rescue, adoption, and training organization.

Day 41

It really was the Worst Fundraiser Ever... in the best possible way. We got to give away a week's stay at my mom's house in Daytona to a local family. They're facing some significant health issues, so hopefully this will give them a little respite and a chance to visit some Florida relatives. It was so lovely to meet them and hang out with them tonight. You can never have too many hugs. Or jokes.

Day 40

Back in November of 2015, on the very last day of my 45 Good Days project, I made a donation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. What I did not know at the time was that my own daughter was already a victim of sexual exploitation. She has autism and intellectual disability, and was 12 years old at the time. It was almost exactly two months after this donation that I found out what had happened, and my world was forever changed. 

Best known for their work with missing children, the NCMEC also helps families of children who have been victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. These are not pleasant topics. But I'm very glad that someone is doing this work.

Once again this year I'm making a donation to the NCMEC. 

Day 39

Today I donated an old laptop and tablet to The Kramden Institute. I actually had planned on volunteering there tonight, but some family stuff came up and I had to cancel.

Kramden takes donated equipment and either refurbishes it, auctions it, recycles it, or uses it for parts. The refurbished computers and other equipment are given to students and families that could not otherwise afford them.

Day 38

Today I voted. In fact, I even got to vote for someone I know personally, so that's fun. I like local elections way better than national elections. 

One of the poll workers told me that they've had 24% turnout today, which is about double what was projected. It's an off year election, so the only things on the ballot were school board, city council, and mayor (which was uncontested). The poll worker said in a national election or precinct often tops 90% turnout, which is awesome. 

Does this count as a kind or charitable thing? Not really. But I'm putting it down for today anyway because it's important.

(I also complimented a number of people at the conference I attended today, which does count.)

Day 37

Today I made a donation to First in Families NC, an organization that helps people with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury. Their help can range anywhere from home modifications to child care to computer equipment to vehicle repairs.

Families who benefit from their services often participate in a "circle of giving," by offering something back that can be used by another family, such as car seats, furniture, translation services, or manual labor.

Day 36

Today was one of those "opportunistic" days. I helped a woman load some heavy items in her car at Home Depot. I gave some change to a group out on the streets collecting money for domestic violence victims. And Steph gave our blind friend from last night a ride to the laundromat so he could get his laundry done. It's been a busy weekend.

Day 35, part II

Some of the things I do for this project are planned well in advance. Some are thrown together at the last minute. Some are spontaneous. Some are just about an opportunity that arises in the moment. Sometimes that means more than one thing happens in a given day.

Today was one of those days. Tonight we fed a blind man and his companion. They were asking for money on the corner in a retail area. We invited them come to our house, and they accepted. We talked to them about their lives and their struggles, and then they joined us for dinner -- pasta and meatballs and salad. It's always nice to have a table overflowing with people.

We also gave them a little cash, some leftovers, and a bunch of extra breakfast bars to take with them.

Day 35

Today my awesome wife Stephanie filled in for me because, well, I feel like death. She took the toddler to the Durham Museum of Life and Science, and used our family pass to get an elderly couple in for free.

See, I told you she was awesome. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to close my eyes again for a bit. Stupid virus.

Day 34

Hoo boy. I'm not feeling great. Sweats and chills and aches and all that. But the show must go on.

Today I wrote a love letter to my wife because, well, she is the best. Y'all have no idea what she puts up with.  And yet here she is, still being awesome.

Now let's see how long before she finds it.

Day 33

Today I chipped in on my friend Yuta's fundraiser for UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. Yuta is raising money for his son Taiko and many others like him by participating in a 24 hour gaming marathon, which sounds both super fun and super exhausting. This is his sixth time doing this marathon. Good luck Yuta!

Day 32

Today I volunteered with Durham Habitat for Humanity, helping build a home for a local family. Contrary to popular belief, the homes are not free. Habitat requires home buyers to log at least 250 hours of "sweat equity" at the job site, and this work, along with the work of volunteers, acts in lieu of a down payment and helps provide affordable housing in places where home prices may be out of reach for many lower income families. 

It was a bare dirt lot in September. The homeowners and their 3-year-old son will be moving in sometime in December. They were working hard at the house today, and were very excited to see their home coming together. 

A team from Cisco was also there today, and we got a ton of painting done, both inside and outside the house. I have to say I really like the "Lucky Green" exterior.

It was a lot of fun, but I'm once again reminded that I don't love painting ceilings. I'm ready for some sore muscles tomorrow.