Sliver of Hope

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Another celebrity with a random act of kindness

'Because You Worked Hard': Jelly Roll Surprises Kids At Lemonade Stand With $700 Tip

Today's good news story comes from Salt Lake City, Utah.

Country star Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, made a big impact on a small group of young entrepreneurs in Salt Lake City.

While passing through West Valley, he spotted a lemonade stand run by a group of kids and decided to stop and support their efforts.

The kids were selling lemonade for 50 cents a cup, and when Jelly Roll ordered five drinks for everyone in his car, the total came to just $2.50. But instead of handing over a few dollars, the generous musician gave the children nearly $700 and told them to keep the change.

In a video captured during the moment, Jelly Roll can be heard telling the kids, "You keep that tip, okay baby? You go buy you something really nice, alright, because you worked hard."

The children were visibly thrilled and shocked by the unexpected act of kindness.

Wendy Gardunio, the mother of one of the children, shared her excitement on social media, posting photos of her daughter and her cousins with the singer.

"Who would have thought that we would run into Jelly Roll in West Valley? And for him to be so generous with giving them almost $700," she wrote, expressing her gratitude and amazement.

Pictures and video in the link.

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I really like this story. It started 170 years ago and the bond is still shared today between two unlikely nations.

Choctaw Nation Unveils 'Sister Sculpture' For Irish People - Honoring the Heart Connection Forged 170 Years Ago

In the Choctaw Nation’s territory in Oklahoma, a knotted statue has been erected by tribal leaders to honor a cross-continental connection over 170 years old.

The “Eternal Heart” sculpture, combining a heart with a Celtic trinity shape, was designed to honor the eternal bond forged between the Choctaw Nation and the most unlikely of people: the Irish.

In 1847, when Ireland was experiencing years of starvation due to a potato blight, the North American Choctaw tribe joined a compassionate campaign in the U.S. to help these strangers a whole ocean away from them.

Despite their own suffering, having been forced to relocate hundreds of miles from their native land, the tribe pooled their pennies and raised $170 (almost $5,000 in today’s currency) to send to Midleton in County Cork through a relief fund.

9 years ago, a soaring silver monument to honor these donations was unveiled in Cork—and Choctaw leaders were invited to the grand unveiling.

“The bond between our nations has strengthened over the years,” Chief Batton said at the time. “We are blessed to have the opportunity to share our cultures, and meet the generous people who have continued to honor a gift from the heart.”

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Navajo and Hopi nations were experiencing high rates of infection, and the Irish saw their moment to demonstrate that they remembered the kindness shown to them by America’s native peoples. $2.7 million was raised for water and supplies by Irish donors through a GoFundMe, with many leaving messages of remembrance and hope.

“Ours is a debt that can never be repaid, but please consider this a small token of love and solidarity from your Irish brothers and sisters. Praying for the strength, wellbeing and prosperity of your community always” said Caroline Kelly, adding a Gaelic message of unity. “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.”

“When the Choctaw people had nothing, they gave Ireland all they could at a time when we needed it most. I know it’s not much, but I hope this helps our friends in their time of need,” added Ciaran Mc brearty.

One of the truly wild parts of this historical story is that the people of 19th century Ireland who ultimately benefitted from the Choctaw donations didn’t learn about the aid money’s origin until decades after the famine had ended.

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I've always felt that giving inmates a way to better themselves while in prison would better serve them and society as a whole. Sure, it wouldn't have the desired impact on everyone as nothing would, but there are definitely better approaches we can take to help rehabilitate rather than just punish those who find themselves in prison. When you just throw them in and essentially forget about them as people, often times little will change by the time they're released and in many cases they may be in a worse place.

This program, while small, I think will show that there are ways to reach people and have an impact on them while they're serving their time and they will be better people when they are released.

The dogs get a massive assist in this one as well.

Inmates Training Hard-to-Adopt Dogs in New Mexico Creates Joy On Both Ends of a Leash

A no-kill animal shelter charity was invited to start an inmate dog training program at the Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility last year—and now joy and fulfillment are being created on both sides of the leash.

The ongoing program has helped the inmates to develop compassion and to comply with rules. Their task is to socialize the dogs and teach basic obedience that will get the fur-babies adopted more easily.

Eight inmates at the Las Cruces prison are now caring for 4 dogs in the program. The inmates have become so devoted to their mission that they held a fundraiser to help pay for program’s costs.

Diana Bell, a volunteer with the charity called Deming Animal Guardians, told GNN that one of the program’s requirements at the beginning was to hire a dog trainer: “This is a significant expense for our small charity but we were committed to give it a try, since we saw it as a win-win opportunity.”

They were pleasantly surprised when they received a check from the inmates themselves.

The dog trainees asked a staff member to purchase items from Sam’s Club which were then packaged and sold as “toiletry kits”. They advertised the program inside the prison and managed to net $350—especially because many inmates, even if they aren’t participating, love seeing the dogs on the grounds.

These dogs as well as the inmates are better off for this program.

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Community Rallies Behind Kids After Lemonade Stand Robbery, Raises $6,200 In A Day

Today's good news story comes from Chesapeake, Virginia.

What started as a disappointing day for two young siblings, Rebecca and Joshua Caldwell, quickly turned into an inspiring beacon of hope and community support.

The story began last week when the siblings, eager to earn a little pocket money, set up a lemonade stand in their driveway. But what was supposed to be a fun summer activity took a sudden turn when a man approached their stand, acting interested in buying lemonade, and then stole their money jar.

The incident, captured on the family’s home security camera, showed the thief making off with about $40 in cash.

News of the robbery spread quickly through the Caldwell’s neighborhood and beyond, sparking outrage and a strong desire to make things right for the kids. Determined not to let this experience dampen their spirits, Rebecca and Joshua set up their lemonade stand again the following Saturday.

What happened next was nothing short of remarkable.

More than 600 people from the community came out to support the siblings. Firefighters, police officers, City Council members, and even members of a couple of motorcycle groups rolled up to the Caldwell home to buy lemonade.

By the end of the day, Rebecca and Joshua had raised an astounding $6,200—far exceeding the amount they lost.

Police have captured and arrested the 19-year-old man responsible for the robbery. The kids told the local news station they have already forgiven him.

That may be the most successful day of lemonade stand sales ever.

There's a four minute news clip in the link if interested.

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'A Lot Of People Love You': Community Unites To Fulfill A 10-Year-Old Cancer Warrior's Dream

A 10-year-old girl battling cancer received the surprise of a lifetime: tickets to see her idol, Taylor Swift, in concert.

Kennedy Coke, a vibrant and resilient young warrior, has faced more challenges in her short life than most people endure in a lifetime. Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at just two years old, Kennedy has spent much of her childhood bravely battling the disease.

It all began when a routine visit to urgent care for a common cold led to the discovery of a lung tumor, a consequence of a rare genetic condition called DICER 1 syndrome. This syndrome makes it difficult for her body to suppress tumors, leading to multiple health battles. Despite the odds, Kennedy overcame her initial diagnosis, becoming miraculously cancer-free after enduring chemotherapy and numerous treatments.

However, Kennedy’s journey took another difficult turn in January 2024, when doctors discovered thyroid tumors during a routine scan. She underwent surgery and once again showed incredible resilience. But just six months later, her condition worsened, and doctors found an aggressive uterine cancer. Now, at just 10 years old, Kennedy faces the daunting prospect of a hysterectomy followed by more chemotherapy.

As she prepared for yet another battle, Kennedy’s spirit began to wane. Her mother, Jodi Hill Coke, knew her daughter needed something to lift her up and give her hope. Kennedy, a huge Taylor Swift fan, dreamed of attending the pop star’s Eras Tour, but with the tour’s tickets selling for thousands of dollars, it seemed an impossible dream.

That’s when the community stepped in. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help make Kennedy’s dream come true, and the response was overwhelming. Strangers from all over donated more than $16,000, wanting to bring joy to a little girl who has fought so hard for so long.

In a touching TikTok video, Jodi surprised Kennedy with the tickets. As she handed her daughter the envelope, Jodi told her, “A lot, a lot of people love you very much.” Kennedy’s face lit up with joy as she realized her dream had come true. “Kennedy’s dream came true!!! After her first 12 weeks of chemo, she will be going to the Eras Tour!” Jodi captioned the video.

Kennedy will be attending Taylor Swift’s concert on November 3, the final U.S. date of the tour. For Kennedy, this isn’t just a concert; it’s a beacon of hope and a reminder that she is surrounded by love and support from countless people who believe in her strength.

This incredible act of kindness has given Kennedy a reason to keep fighting, proving once again that the power of community, love and compassion can bring light to even the darkest of times.

I can't imagine what this poor girl goes through, or her parents for that matter, knowing that she will constantly be under the threat of cancer and having to continuously fight one form or another. It has to be tough, and expensive. Bless all of those who were able to donate to this little girl so she could have something special to look forward to. You never know how long she may have in this world, especially with her condition, and this gift is very special for that girl.

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This kind of fits here. Props to Sir Charles for this.

Charles Barkley Turns Down $100 Million Contracts to Ensure TNT Sports Staff Keep Their Jobs Another Year

In one of the largest shake-ups in sports broadcasting this century, Turner Sports (TNT) lost out on an 11-year rights deal to broadcast the NBA.

But while they may have lost their apex product, they didn’t lose their apex presenter, who turned down a total of $100 million in contract offers from other networks so that the team that supports him could maintain their jobs for their final year together.

Last Wednesday, Charles Barkley revealed on the Dan Le Batard Show podcast that as TNT enters the final year of its contract to broadcast the NBA, he could have ended his participation with the network and gone to sign with one of the other networks included in the new 11-year broadcasting deal.

Barkley, who signed a 10-year agreement with TNT Sports in 2022, will be entering his 25th year with the company and chose to stay onboard until the 2025-2026 season to make sure his team maintained their livelihoods.

According to People Magazine, an exit by Barkley would have been contractually sound, as the network had lost the broadcasting rights.

“I love my TNT Sports family,” Barkley said in a statement released by Turner. “My #1 priority has been and always will be our people and keeping everyone together for as long as possible.”

“We have the most amazing people, and they are the best at what they do. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them both on the shows we currently have and new ones we develop together in the future.”

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Kids do the darnedest things.

18-Year-old Uses Her Tracking Skills to Guide Hikers on Wildfire Evacuation Route

Out from the ash and flames of the wildfires that scorched Canada’s Jasper National Park comes the story of a heroic 18-year-old who saved over a dozen people.

Working as a volunteer firefighter and kitchen aide at a lodge, Colleen Knull received an evacuation order on a Monday in late July. Stepping outside she saw smoke rising up the mountainsides, and knew that there were people still camping in the area.

Alerting everyone at the lodge, she went out to gather the campers until 16 people were ready to evacuate. Darkness was falling, and getting out of the area meant a 4-hour hike across treacherous terrain.

Knull used her knowledge of the area and tracking skills to help navigate the 16 people down the trail. The group used head torches and phone flashlights to see in the darkness.

“I had previously rode up a horse up to that lodge on that same trail and throughout the way me and my employer, we had cut logs on the way up,” Knull told CTV News. “There were 67 logs, so there would be be 67 cut logs on the way down … So I used my tracking skills – following horse tracks, horse manure.”

Some people are just built different. There's a two minute news clip about it in the link.

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I'm a sucker for a dog, and the rescue of them.

YouTuber Rescues Senior Great Pyrenees Dog During Cross-Canada Canoe Trip

A Kiwi kayaker on a cross-country trip on Canada’s creeks and rivers took a brief detour to rescue a man’s dog who was trapped under a log.

For all her strength, Ivy, a 14-year-old Great Pyrenees had been wasted by the mud of a river in Manitoba, and after wandering too far beyond her owner’s property, was trapped and couldn’t escape.

Ivy’s fortitude had been sapped away by the heavy mud weighing down her fur, and with only enough energy to keep her head above water, Tom Hudson—a quite unlikely hero, found her just in time.

Flying to BC from his home in New Zealand Tom Hudson had crossed Canada as far as Manitoba near The Pas when he heard faint barking and decided to take a detour to investigate on the morning of July 29th.

Unbeknownst to him, Ivy’s owner had been looking for her all the previous day, but heavy brush prevented him from seeing or hearing the elderly pooch, who was stuck just a quarter of a mile from her home.

Hudson tied up his canoe, lifted the log off her back, and carried her through knee-deep mud before attempting to position her comfortably on the canoe. She had never been afloat before, and Hudson, who was documenting his cross-country canoe quest on Instagram and YouTube, snapped a self-explanatory photo of Ivy’s first impressions.

He paddled about 400 yards downstream and found a dock. He plopped the Pyrenees down and went to ring the doorbell, hoping whoever answered would be able to help.

As it happened, they could.

“She’s a pretty lucky old dog that he came by when he did,” said owner Tom Stait, who opened the door and saw the pair covered in mud. “Because he could have went the other way on the other side of the river and he would never have seen her. I probably would have never found her.”

There's a near two minute video at the end of the article on this.

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If you believe it, you can achieve it.

Woman Who Left School at 15 Graduates as a Doctor at 41: 'You can 100% do the crazy things you've always dreamed'

A woman who dropped out of school at age 15 finally studied for her GED (known in the UK as GCSE)—and now has graduated as a doctor at 41.

She recalls being sick and tired of people telling her she couldn’t do things because she dropped out of school. Now, Dr. Becs Bradford officially holds a degree in Medicine from the University of Bristol.

“I don’t know if I’m just a little delusional, but I really believe that if your heart is in it, you can 100% do the crazy things you’ve always dreamed of.

“When I was young I was constantly told I would amount to nothing, that I was stupid.

“I wanted to prove that people like me do deserve good things, that they can get jobs that are fulfilling and well paid.”

Becs’ father fell from a ladder and was left paralyzed when Becs was just 12 years old, and the family lost their home. Soon, Becs ended up in foster care.

Despite this rocky start, Becs became a hard worker in various fields as a flight attendant, a personal trainer, and in sales. But she knew there was something else waiting for her, and when she realized she wanted to be a doctor, she said ‘everything just fell into place’.

At 35, she bought the books needed to self-study for her high school math and science equivalencies and earned a place in a pre-med course to which she’d drive a six-hour round trip—all while working three jobs.

Becs aced the course but was devastated when she was rejected from all the universities she applied for—until she received an offer from the University of Bristol. Despite getting financial support from the University, she still taught gym classes seven days a week and worked 12-hour assistant nursing shifts on the weekends.

She would often get up at 4am to study, driven by her desire to help people. “I just had an inner knowing that this is what I’m meant to do with my life”.

Talk about heart and dedication. When did she sleep?

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Going above and beyond.

From Teacher To Hero: The Heartwarming Story Of A Lifesaving Friendship

In a story that truly embodies the power of love, friendship, and community, a local teacher has become much more than an educator—she's become a hero.

Jamie Lynn Dorr, a devoted mother navigating the challenges of raising a son on the spectrum, shared a powerful update on her Facebook page that has touched the hearts of many: her son's teacher is a perfect match for the liver transplant her son desperately needs.

Four years ago, Jamie found herself in a new town with few friends and a son, Bowen, who required her full attention. Life was filled with uncertainty and isolation. But then Holly Allgood entered their lives, bringing with her an abundance of kindness, support, and a friendship that would prove to be life-changing.

Described as "pure sunshine and joy," Holly has been more than just a teacher to Bowen; she has become a trusted friend and a steady source of comfort for Jamie.

"If you know Holly, you know she is salt of the earth," Jamie said. "From the moment we met, she took this scared, unsure, uncertain mama and continued to remind me that God was writing his story and that even, on the hard days, we were not alone. She has caught so many of my tears, taken my late night calls, and seen some of our worst days as we shuffled him, struggling, into school. It’s hard for any mama, but one with special needs, I could only do that because I knew who had him when I walked in those doors, it was Holly."

Holly and Bowen are scheduled for the liver transplant later this month.

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4th Generation Farmer Helps Youth Flunking Out of School to Grow and Sell Food for Disadvantaged in Minnesota

A fourth-generation Black American farmer is bringing 21st-century agriculture into the lives of youth from marginalized communities, teaching them how to grow and sell nutritious food to the people who need it.

Marcus Carpenter is the founder of Route 1, an organization that focuses on introducing farming to people, and farmers to the people, through a variety of educational and business programs with a focus on addressing the challenges facing the poorest communities in Minnesota.

Carpenter grew up on 180 acres of farmland in Arkansas, bought by his great-grandmother Sally in 1914, who worked the land down a dirt road in a country house with 13 children.

Route 1 was the name of that old dirt road, but its approach to agriculture is anything but old.

The programs and facilities include the “Freight Farm” where hydroponic gardens grow a variety of food inside donated shipping containers equivalent to 4 acres of farmland. It includes the Emerging Farmers Institute, offering intensive virtual coursework on the fundamentals of farming, while also including sessions aimed at tackling the most commonly faced mental stressors of working in agriculture.

Additionally, Route 1 offers the Seeds to Success Youth Academy, where youth struggling in school can find alternatives to flunking out by pursuing agricultural excellence.

One such a success story is Anthony Rasmussen—born into a low-income family, and raised by a single mom. Route 1 had made itself known inside the school district, and Rasmussen was enrolled in the academy.

He was part of the team that helped grow part of the 7,000 lbs of produce that Route 1 recently delivered to two local community organizations.

This experience sparked Rasmussen’s interest in pursuing a career in agriculture. He realized that farming is not just about being outdoors, which he loves, but also about helping people and making a difference.

Utilizing skill and knowledge for the benefit of the next generation and help those that need it most and perhaps give some direction to those who are needing some. I approve.

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Oklahoma 4-H Teen Gives Away 6,000 Backpacks Packed With $1.3 Million in School Supplies to Families

An 18-year-old Oklahoma boy spent his Saturday igniting school spirit by giving away 6,000 book bags stuffed with school supplies.

It was his ninth annual Back-to-School Book Bag Giveaway, which has distributed more than 33,000 backpacks and $1.3 million in school supplies to students and families from Reed’s hometown and beyond, including across Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas.

Yesterday’s drive-thru event is just one aspect of Reed Marcum’s uplifting work to address the needs of the McAlester community in Pittsburg County

“I want to help kids get their school year started right,” said Reed, who is a rising sophomore at Oklahoma State University. “We have been distributing book bags and school supplies for nine years now and each time it is so fulfilling to know we are playing a small part in getting kids excited about their education.”

Reed was inspired by his longtime membership in 4-H, an American youth organization whose mission is “engaging youth to reach their fullest potential to become true leaders.”

The giveaway is part of Reed’s annual 4-H service project—and its success resulted in the teen being honored with the 4-H Youth in Action Award for his community-centered projects that have collectively raised more than $3.5 million in funds and donated items.

The future looks like it's in good hands sometimes.

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When Tornado Interrupts Wedding They Had First Dance in Basement Shelter: 'Restored my faith in humanity'

Fleeing to the basement shelter of a hotel during a tornado isn’t exactly a mood-setter for a romantic dance, but that’s exactly the bizarre situation that 25-year-old newlyweds Alex and Sarah Schilke found themselves in back in June.

Hosting their wedding at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa Hotel in Wisconsin, the reception was already underway when a tornado warning was issued for the area.

The wedding party and the rest of the hotel’s guests took shelter in the venue’s basement.

A group of strangers heard that the newlyweds hadn’t had their first dance and offered to sing and play the guitar.

A heartwarming mobile phone video shows Alex and Sarah swaying to their first dance with strangers staying at the hotel shining their phone flashlights upon them to drive away the darkness.

“That moment of having our loved ones and strangers come together to create this beautiful moment and share it with us was so important,” said Sarah to the news outlet SWNS. “It restored my faith in humanity.”

We could feel the care and compassion from all the people in the room,” Alex comments. “After the dance I remember walking out into the crowd and I saw one of my groomsmen. We just fell into a hug and both started weeping. It was all very emotional.”

Alex and Sarah met four and half years ago when they were studying computer science at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire.

Alex proposed to Sarah and the couple tied the knot after 15 months of planning. It could have been 15 years and they probably still wouldn’t have had contingency plans for tornado alerts.

“When we were first told everyone was moving to the shelter, I was so shocked that I didn’t even process what was happening around me,” Sarah said. “And of course, there was a moment of grieving the wedding reception that we had spent 15 months planning.”

As the 181-strong wedding party moved to the basement shelter, they were joined by members of every other ongoing party at the resort.

Things went from bad to worse for the couple when the basement was plunged into darkness when power went out, which Sarah described as a chaotic scene.

“A few people from our party braved the storm and went upstairs to grab some drinks so we had some comfort.”

Really a sweet story.

There's a one minute video at the bottom of the article.

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Charity Song Raises Money for Boy with Cancer - and Overtakes Kylie Minogue and Coldplay in Downloads

Despite being just 5 years old and suffering from stage 4 brain cancer, an adorable little boy in the UK is climbing the charts with a new song.

Jack Gyde was diagnosed with Stage 4 High-Risk Neuroblastoma earlier this year after his mom Sarah noticed him limping, and a song released to raise money for his treatment has passed Coldplay and Kylie Minogue in online downloads, raising thousands in the process.

A musician from Bristol, Daz Sims, recorded, produced, and released the single entitled Cowboy Jack, and to everyone’s surprise, it debuted at #28 on the iTunes chart. It’s since fallen to 39, but is still above names like Beyonce, Luke Combs, and Coldplay.

But before Jack had his moment in the limelight, his care team and family at a local healthcare facility called Brunelcare had launched a fundraiser to raise money for both the ongoing maintenance of the tumor and a trip to the US for life-extending treatment.

The goal was a quarter million English pounds, amounting to more than $280,000.

“Every download of “Cowboy Jack” supports fundraising efforts for 5-year-old Jack Gyde, who is battling stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma,” a Brunelcare spokesperson said. “Jack urgently needs lifesaving treatment in the US, which costs £250,000. Your simple act of downloading this song can make a world of difference.”

I know nothing about the song, but the fact that so many have downloaded it and are helping this kid and his family try to save his life is nice to see.

To donate to Jack’s Journey visit the link here. To Download the song see this link on Amazon, and this one for iTunes.

They're a little over half way to their goal at the time of the article. Getting him to America for treatment will greatly increase his chances of survival.

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Quick-Thinking 6-Year-Old Saves The Day After Mom Collapses

Today's good news story comes from Northern Ireland.

A six-year-old boy named Aiden is being praised for his quick actions after his mother, Elizabeth Crooks, collapsed at home.

Elizabeth, a 26-year-old mother of three from Belfast, became unwell due to a neurological condition known as FND (Functional Neurological Disorder) and passed out.

Aidan, showing remarkable composure for his age, immediately sought help. He approached a delivery man named Bryan, who was dropping off a package at their home. The heartwarming moment was captured by Crooks' doorbell camera and has since gone viral.

Elizabeth shared with Belfast Live that seeing her young son remain calm and polite during the emergency was incredibly moving.

"It was so heartwarming to see how he handled the situation," she said.

Thanks to Aidan's swift actions and Bryan's kindness, Elizabeth received the help she needed. Elizabeth later managed to track down Bryan to thank him personally for his assistance.

"His sister-in-law saw the video, and I think he is still in shock, the same as me, that it has gone so viral. You can tell he's kind of a shy guy," Elizabeth said.

This story is a touching reminder of the extraordinary capabilities of children in emergency situations and the kindness of strangers. It also highlights the importance of teaching children how to respond in emergencies, which can make all the difference in critical moments.