February 14th, 2013
One Million Acts Of Kindness, The Kindness Bicycle, The Kindness Bus, One Man, Bob, One Dog, Bogart, Spreading Kindness to Everyone; No Exceptions, Happy Valentine’s Day!!
I was out and about, walking, in Delray Beach, late in the day when a bus caught my attention. I decided to check it out. It was painted with writings all over.
In large letters http://www.onemillionactsofkindness.org was standing out. No idea what it was. A few people were looking at it, as well.
I also noticed a bike. On it, just a plain sign saying “riding 9,000 miles for kids” and “overcome bullying through love”.
There was a slot on the bus to put donations. So, I put something in. Then, I started to take a picture and a voice said “thanks”.
Bob Votruba came out. Chit chat ensued and I wanted to know more about him and his mission. He has already surpassed the 9,000 miles on the bike.
Bob told me that it all started after the Virginia Tech’s massacre. His mission is to save kids’ lives. Personally, near his home, 3 students were killed at Chardon High School in Ohio on 2/27/12. Three young adults he new from his hometown took their own lives. He is honoring them and at the same time he is raising awareness of bullying and adolescent suicide.
Bob also has a sidekick…Bogart. He is his traveling companion and a very social one too. He is a Boston Terrier, who loves people and, actually, has his own story to tell. He even has his own book, which you can purchase by visiting the above mentioned website. Bogart was getting an ear treatment on that day, so I did not get to meet him.
Bob and Bogart have been riding around the perimeter of the United States, beginning and ending in New York City later this year. Bob has 3 children.
The website is full of information, challenges and ways for all of us to extend our kindness to others.
I told him I had not seen him in my neck of the woods….Delaware Beaches!! He said he had been in Delaware, though.
You can find One Million Acts of Kindness on Facebook and Twitter. You can e-mail him at thekindnessbustour@gmail.com. He is more than willing and able to speak at schools and other venues.
If you are, or know someone, who is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
I think his story was perfect for this Valentine’s Day….a good feel story.
And Bob gave me my Nikon moment and off he went….talk to you later.
Tags: Bob Votruba, Bogart, Bullying Awareness, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Event, Florida, Maryland, One Million Acts of Kindness, Suicide Awareness, the Dog, The Kindness Bicycle
