46 Acts of Kindness (4)

From Tifani in Rockwall:

Fresh baked brownies for some of Rockwall's finest on this rainy day. They were so appreciative. Thank you for allowing us to be part of celebrating Steve's legacy!

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From Suzanne in Garland:

My husband and I both left a large tip for our Sonic servers today. It was a great feeling to make someone's day a little brighter and to celebrate Steve's memory!

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From Shannon in Frisco:

Made lunch for the Newman office.

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From Jennifer in Carrollton:

I left a dozen donuts for the front office at Homestead Elementary. They have elections there today so they were extra stressed and super appreciative. Eric took a donut to hie teacher too. I love taking part in this celebration for Steve and his awesome family.

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From Allison in Frisco:

For our teacher…

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From Karen in Frisco:

Bought lunch for my store manager!

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From Amy in Little Rock:

I know you're way beyond 46 of them, and mine isn't a huge deal, but today for lunch I met a friend I don't see very often, and picked up the tab in Steve's memory.

I love not just this event, but all the little ways you continue to live in Steve's memory. You, Cooper, and Katie all rock!

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From Jasmine in Frisco:

I delivered cappuccinos to front desk. Security guard couldn't take a picture with uniform, so she's not on the picture. They read the card and said it's very sweet and good way to remember him.

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From Haley in Lille, France:

Met up with an American who just moved to Lille and treated her to a few drinks. Happy Steve day!

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From Melinda in Frisco:

Just got a couple of items off The Frisco Humane Society's wish list on Amazon, sent to them in honor of Steve Damm and 46 Acts of Kindness. We get so much joy out of these two, both courtesy of FHS.

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From Jay in Frisco:

I gave Jakob's old bike to a kid -- in the rain :).

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From Tonia in Frisco:

This line of Chick-fil-A customers had their lunches paid for in honor of Steve. The message through the intercom was repeated--- "Your meal has been paid for in kindness and memory of a great life cut short by brain cancer. Please live today with a smile and pass on this kindness to another."

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From Lauren in Frisco:

Sent a get well bouquet to a convalescing friend in honor of Steve Damm and 46 acts if kindness in honor of his 46th birthday-we miss you Steve!

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From Paul in Ann Arbor, Mich., via a post from one of his friends:

I didn't know Steve Damm, but anyone who inspired a "46 Acts of Kindness" day must have been a great person. Thanks for sharing the story Paul Dodd. Now, what will I do for my act of kindness??

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From Carmen in Austin:

Brought a pumpkin cake to the folks at Livestrong, where I volunteer.

46 Acts of Kindness (3)

From Uncle Jim in DC/Virginia:

Bought breakfast snacks for my office.

Just delivered snacks (Veggies, Fruit and Cookies) to the Arlington County Fire Station #5. 

Providing Metrocards to visitors arriving at Reagan National Airport to get them on their way. 

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From the Tittle family in Lubbock:

In honor of the entire Damm family, we had cupcakes decorated with Steve's "act of kindness" logo and delivered them to the Joe Arrington Cancer Research and Treatment Center in Lubbock. We asked that they be shared with the staff as a thanks for all they do.

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From Carley in Frisco:

Surprised my sweet hairdresser with flowers today.

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From Betty, Steve's mom, in Dallas:

The memory of Steve is a bright spot in my heart and so today I delivered small cakes to the seniors and the staff of our church. One friend said as she eats her cake she will say thank you for the many blessings of life. I say thank you to everyone who has spread love and joy to others today.

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From Jamie in Frisco:

I did one small act of kindness for your husband today...Due to the rainy cold day we are having, I brought hot chocolate to Max's daycare for all.


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From Mike in Dallas:

Lunch for these unsuspecting ladies. I'm surprised how unexpected -- and awkward -- a random act of kindness can be. I found myself wanting to explain, "No, really, I'm not a creep." Thanks, Tyra, for the opportunity to shatter someone's expectations.

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From Tanya in Humble:

I bought a stranger's Starbuck's order. He was so appreciative and couldn't wait to pay it forward!

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From Kelly in Oklahoma/Texas:

As I woke up this morning, not working anywhere and not feeling extra connected to any one community at this time, I decided to go to Sonic, a place I frequent quite often. The young man who brought me my drink order was a bit confused when I told him I was giving him a $46 tip. Through his confused state, I told him about Steve Damm and his sweet, loving family and how they honor him every year on his birthday. This young man's reaction was of appreciation and he promised me he would remember Steve's name as he pays it forward. Tyra, I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have had to pleasure to know Steve Damm and your strong little family! As I'm sure today is bitter sweet, I pray that you, Cooper and Katie will continue finding ways to inspire all of us, not just on this day, but all through the year.

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From Jana in Frisco:

Jacob and I took hot chocolate to the front desk and childcare ladies at the YMCA.

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From Ria in Frisco:

I brought lunch to the Girl's athletics coaches at Pioneer Heritage Middle School today in honor of Steve! God bless the Damm family!

46 Acts of Kindness (2)

From Kelli in Frisco:

We sent a gift card to a single mom of 2 who is currently out of work. Happy Birthday Steve!

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From Kathy in Frisco:

At Scottish Rite to thank the nurses for all they do for their patients!

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From Phil in Frisco:

Kindness is for kids too! Our kids participated in 46 acts of kindness today to celebrate our family friend Steve Damm's 46th birthday. Our sweet Halle told us this morning that she was going to spend time with and play with a girl in her school that usually is all by herself. When Halle asked her if she could spend time with her today, the girl replied "I didn't expect anyone to ask me that today!"

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From Lisa in Frisco:

Paid off someone's layaway balance in honor of Steve Damm.

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From Uncle Jim in DC/Virginia:

Handing out some $5 Gift Cards at Chick-Fil-A. DC folks sometimes give you some strange looks when you give them something without asking for anything in return. (I wish there were drive thru windows around to make it a little easier to be sneaky!)

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From Heather in Allen:

Treated 2 of my favorite 10 year old boys to slushies at Sonic after school. Tipped the carhop generously and loved the look on his face and the BIG thank you as he walked away reading the card about Steve. Priceless. Happy Birthday Steve. Love you guys Tyra, Cooper and Katie!

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From Angie in San Diego:

So this is maybe a sort of unconventional act of kindness, but something really meaningful to me. I've been struggling lately with overwhelming sadness and anxiety that has been pretty paralyzing. It has been a struggle to just keep up with usual chores. Well, today I woke up with unusual energy and am cleaning and organizing my house. It is an act of kindness toward myself and one that I really need right now. I find that my physical environment is a reflection of my internal state of mind and today I am able to take steps to a feeling of well being. I am so grateful for this. Happy birthday, sweet Steve Damm .I have a feeling both you and my Dad are together and shining down on the world and spreading love everywhere, I can feel it.

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From Liz in Frisco:

Plate of pumpkin scones for the front office.

Sonic for school office receptionist.

Large tip at Sonic and TruFire.

Baylen gave a Starbucks gift card to a janitor at Frisco High School.

Lunch for the BEST 4th grade teacher in Texas.

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From Shari in Lucas:

My favorite day! We did 4 small acts of kindness in honor of Steve today! Big tip, cookies for Allen's finest and 2 pay it forward at Starbucks drive thru. 

46 Acts of Kindness (1)

From Stephanie in Shanghai, China:

I'm 14 hours ahead of you so it's already November 4th where I am in Shanghai, China.  Today my kids surprised their teachers with flowers.  And we wanted to let you, Cooper and Katie know that we are thinking about Steve all the way in China!  :)

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From Nancy in Frisco:

We look forward to celebrating Steve's birthday each year now with your family!  This year it has been a especially meaningful as we have been helping some of our dear high school friends.  He has a glioblastoma and isn't doing very well.  I was with them in May when they found out and with them Thursday when they made decisions about whether he would continue chemo.   

I can't tell you how many times I have thought of Steve and your family during this journey with our friends.  When we saw Dr. Pan on Thursday, I remembered as we entered the Seay building how you said Steve liked the Chuhily sculpture there and I just stopped there and thought of your sweet family.  We will continue to be there for them.  Thanks for the yearly reminder to help or just be nice to others. We feel so humbled by this sweet couple. 

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From Katrina in Oslo, Norway

I started in prayer at the cathedral in downtown Oslo. There I lit a candle for Steve and for you, Cooper and Katie. I put a donation, wrapped in the Acts of Kindness note, in the donation box. 

Then I walked up the main street with my pocket full of change. I dropped money into cups, hands and music cases.

I made my way to the bookstore, where on Saturday, a lovely young lady helped me, Jakob and Eva find some things we were looking for. I brought a thank you note, a gift card and the Acts of Kindness note to her.

I then stopped to warm up with a cup of coffee and I'm sure the barista was passing on Steve's love. 

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From Padmini in Frisco:

I was moved to read about your family. I cannot begin to tell you how much I admire the way you are honoring your husbands special day. I am glad i got to do a lil part in it.

I went to a donuts place and paid for 10 people to have free donuts and left them your calling cards. I got John our crossing guard at school some coffee and i bought a extra poncho for anyone who forgot their umbrella. Invariably it ended up with our mutual friend Jennifer Kiley Keating and she said she could sense it was for Steve.

Aniruddh has donated his pocket money to a food bank who said they would feed 100 families with money we sent in. We requested this in honor of Steve, and I would like to thank him and you for this opportunity to do a  kind deed.

It feels strange listing down small things we did … but I thought you might use it for bigger picture.

You are an amazing mom. Much love to Katie and Cooper. 

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From Amy in Little Elm:

I left an envelope of money for a single mom of 3 who lives in my old apartment complex. She's so deserving. I love this! Reading all the posts brings tears to my eyes. Happy Birthday Steve!

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From Leslie in Frisco:

Was at Kroger picking up cookies to take to the voting poll for the volunteers and stopped at the Starbucks there to pay for a woman's latte. She was so touched that she said she was going to pay for someone else's drink. Thank you Tyra Damm for helping us live out Steve's legacy. What a wonderful reminder of how we should act each day.

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From Jennifer in Frisco:

I was blessed to be on both the giving and receiving end of 46 Acts of Kindness :) A friend saw I had forgotten my umbrella when I picked up my boys in the rain and gave me a rain poncho (with Texas A&M logos all over it) :)

I bought a gift card to Dunkin' Donuts and left it for our mail carrier.

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From Suzanne in Frisco:

I worked with a family at Clothe A Child a few weeks ago. One of the children wanted a coat more than the clothes his mother got for him with the $100. I delivered the coat today to his mother who works for Frisco ISD.

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From Julianne in Frisco:

My 2 youngest took flowers and Sonic cards to their sweet teachers and my older two took Sonic cards, homemade cookies and hand written notes of appreciation to some of their favorite middle school teachers in memory of Steve and in honor of Tyra, who is one AWESOME teacher!

46 Acts of Kindness: How-To Guide

It's almost time for 46 Acts of Kindness! On Tuesday, Nov. 4, you can share love and kindness in memory of Steve and help us reach our goal of 46x10 acts of kindness.

Here's a step-by-step guide to the big day.

1. Print the 46 Acts "calling card" that you can leave behind with your act of kindness. Click here for the card.

2. Surprise someone -- someone you know or a complete stranger -- with your act of kindness. Leave the card if you choose.

3. Take a photo if you'd like.

4. If you're comfortable doing so, communicate with me your act of kindness -- a short story plus a photo if you have one. You can email me at tyradamm@gmail.com. You can text me at 972-489-4344. You can post to our Facebook page. 

5. Check back on the blog in the afternoon for an inspirational gathering of acts of kindness! (I'm teaching during the day. I'll blog as soon and as fast as I can!)

6. Need some inspiration or ideas? Check out this post for a few.

Thank you so much for making Steve's birthday one of the most joyful days of the year! My heart is full knowing that Cooper and Katie can witness so much love in memory of their awesome daddy!

Cooper and Katie on Steve's bench, Nov. 2, 2014