Most people hope for cards of gifts on their birthdays. But for his birthday on July 25, Jake Traugott hopes to change the world.
Traugott, who is turning 20, decided that in lieu of gifts he would make a Facebook event inviting each of his friends to perform a random act of kindness for another person and to invite one of their friends, in turn, to join the virtual party. In this way, he hopes to bring light into the lives of others.
Traugott says he got the idea online. “I was on Youtube and was looking at videos that restore people’s faith in humanity,” he explained. “They were beautiful and I have been mulling over random acts of kindness. It became clear that one of the most beautiful qualities of random acts of kindness is one potent act can inspire one person to commit another. I appreciate the gift of life so much and wanted to give back something for my twenty years.”
Traugott created the event, invited his 700 and some friends, and watched the event grow. Currently, over 300 people plan to participate, and over 5,000 have been invited.
Some of the suggested ways to spread positivity include donating blood, paying for others at tollbooths and restaurants, leaving encouraging notes or sidewalk chalk drawings, and collecting donations for homeless shelters.
The event has been well-received by the invitees, many of whom have invited their friends as well and suggested potential random acts of kindness.
“Best birthday gift ever!” Traugott said.
We are proud to announce that the Positive Energy Group will be participating in Traugott’s challenge, and we’d like to invite you all along for the ride. To join Traugott’s event, please click here and RSVP on Facebook. For ideas for acts of service to brighten others’ days, check out Positive Energy correspondent Sydney Stavinhova’s article here.
Jake Traugott turned a routine event into a positive, pay-it-forward virtual birthday party. How will you make the world a better place today? Share with us in the comments or tag us on Facebook!
Written by: Olivia Cunningham
Positive Energy Group 
Posted on July 30, 2013
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