Welcome to the Ripples of Kindness Foundation web site. Here you will find out more about our foundation, those we serve, and how to get involved.
It only takes one drop...
...of compassion
...of hope
...of kindness
to change a person, even if for one moment. Think of an instance when someone did something unexpected for you. How did you feel in that exact moment? That one drop of compassion or kindness may have created a new hope or simply provided a moment of warmth. We all know a moment like that can change our entire day or, in some cases, our life. This is why we exist. When someone experiences the warmth of kindness, or is changed because of it, he or she will likely pass it on to another who, in turn, passes it on to another. So begins the ripple effect.
Go to the "Get Involved" page to learn how to join us in simple acts of kindness.
Thanks to our Facebook fans and our active membership of community service volunteers. We appreciate you!
PO Box 490354 Blaine, MN 55449
"Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3
Order yours today!
Click here for more details
Get Involved
The Ripples of Kindness Foundation provides you with a number of ways to get involved. Many people have a charitable heart and different resources and preferences for supporting good causes. The foundation appreciates every gift of prayer, time, talent, and cash donation. Please select the involvement category best for you.
Kids For Kindness is really taking off! We have shared stories about the Annandale, MN students who found a donor to give a car to a person in need and used our wristbands to perform random acts of kindness. Now, we are proud to tell you about the students in Holland, MI, who have been participating in our Commit To Kindness (C2K) campaign for the past six months or so. Look for more detailed stories about what they have been up to.
Member Registration
One way to help spread the ripple effect is to become a member of the Ripples of Kindness Foundation. If you would like to do so, please indicate which level of membership you want and mail payment to:
Ripples of Kindness Foundation
P.O.Box 490354
Blaine, MN 55449
As a foundation member, you will receive our news emails and be able to see the results of the contributions made to the foundation. Also remember to continue to check in at this website to read about our success stories and what we're up to.
Select this link for
Success Stories
The Ripples of Kindness Foundation is proud of its members for helping the following families and causes in recent months.
Annandale Teacher's 2010-11 Pay It Forward Project. We are currently participating in an Annandale teacher's classroom project to encourage spreading kindness and paying it forward. Check for more information throughout the next few months to hear more about their success.
Helped Pack 2.3 million meals for Feed My Starving Children. Our active group of volunteers sent 29 people to EBC's 2 million meals campaign. Everyone came away feeling very good about the work we had done to contribute to the cause. EBC and FMSC exceeded goal and packed 2.3M meals in one week! Wow!
Recently re-employed father of three lost his wife unexpectedly and could not afford flowers for wife's funeral. Anonymous neighbor engaged our foundation and our members stepped forward to purchase a beautiful casket cascade of the wife's favorite flowers.
Unemployed single mother moving to new apartment was in need of furniture. Foundation members stepped forward and donated living room and bedroom furniture.
Single mom of three battling multiple cancers and living in shelter needed help making ends met. Members held benefit and raised money to help her get into the first home of their own for a long time.
Disabled person in need of computer. Foundation supporters searched for used computer for this person and ended up pitching in to purchase a new computer. This disabled person was able to reconnect with people through email and Internet as a result.
Make Cash Gift
The Ripples of Kindness Foundation prides itself on the ability to perform small acts of kindness for families in our communities who are struggling to make ends meet due to dealing with long-term illness, special needs, or other extraordinary circumstances. We rely on donations from people that believe that just one drop of kindness can create a ripple that effects many.
If you would like to participate in spreading the ripple effect, please send your donation to the following address. We will be providing regular updates regarding grants and other ways we are using the contributions to cause the Ripple Effect.
Ripples Of Kindness Foundation
PO Box 490354
Volunteer
The Ripples of Kindness Foundation believes in giving back to others in our communities through service. We know many of you already volunteer a great portion of your time to various causes, and we applaud you. One of our team's primary goals is to connect caring, service-minded people with opportunities to volunteer in our community. We also believe in teaching our children compassion through community service.
To this end, if you are an adult in search of new or additional community service opportunities, please let us know and we will inform you of upcoming events.
If you have a service project you need more people for, contact us so we can try to help recruit more volunteers for you.
Community Service Events
The Ripples of Kindness Foundation is currently finalizing its list of 2012 service opportunities.
If you are interested in participating in a service project with us, please contact us through our contact form.
We will be recruiting a large number of people, all ages, for a fun marketing event. Full details in March, but we promise it to be lots of fun! If you like to have fun, and you can commit eight hours in April and May, please contact us for more details.
If you have a service event that you would like us to consider participating in, please provide us with more information through our contact form.
Kids For Kindness
The Ripples of Kindness Foundation believes it is important to teach children compassion and generosity of time through service projects. For this reason, we provide opportunities for children to participate in activities that help others in need or promote acting kindly toward others. For more information on what over 150 students have done, click here...
Ripples of Kindness Bookmarks - $7 each.
These lovely blue and silver beaded bookmarks with a raindrop and heart charm are handmade by a Washington student who uses proceeds for mission trips and charitable work. $2 of each sale goes to the Ripples of Kindness Foundation in support of its special projects. Send check or money order to Ripples of Kindness Foundation, PO Box 490354, Minneapolis MN 55449, along with your email address, Ship-to address, and what you are ordering. Please allow for approximately 10 days to process your order, as bookmarks are made to order.
Want to order wristbands or a bookmark? Send check or money order with note indicating your exact order to Ripples of Kindness Foundation, PO Box 490354, Minneapolis MN 55449. You will receive confirmation with estimated delivery date upon receipt of payment.
Florida school signing on for our Commit To Kindness Campaign. More to come!
"Commit To Kindness" Wristbands: $2 each; 3 for $5. For larger quantities and special projects, contact us for volume pricing.
Ripples of Kindness Bookmarks - $7 each. These lovely blue and silver beaded bookmarks with raindrop and heart charms are handmade by a Washington student who uses proceeds for mission trips and charitable work. $2 of each sale goes to the Ripples of Kindness Foundation to fund its special projects supporting homeless, unemployed, and or families in economic need or unique circumstances.
Pray For Others
The Ripples of Kindness Foundation has a prayer team that prays regularly for the needs of others. In addition to praying for the works of the foundation, we hope you will consider donating just minutes each day to pray for others whose needs are listed on our prayers list. If you would like to become an official member of our prayer team, please complete our contact form to be included on updates.
Please Pray For Me
If you are in need of prayers and would like to request prayers from our payer team, please complete the contact form with your name, email, and specific prayer request. We will add your prayer to our posted prayers board, and our team will pray for you daily.
God Bless You!
Prayers Needed
One of the simplest acts of kindness is to pray for others. The Ripples of Kindness Foundation has a prayer team that devotes time each day to praying for those in need. In addition to praying for the works of the foundation, we hope you will take a few minutes out of your day to pray for the following:
Select this link for current prayers list .
If you have a prayer need, please select the"Pray For Me"link, complete the contact form with your specific prayer need, and we will add to your our prayer list.
Thank you for coming to the Ripples of Kindness prayer page. We are here to share your burdens and your joys; to support you in carrying your crosses and in celebrating the goodness, kindness and compassion of God. We truly believe in the power of prayer to change our lives, lift us up, and help us on our journey. We aim to bring alive that Scripture that proclaims, "When two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them." God is in our midst, and His ear and heart are open to you right now... be not afraid. Tell Him what you need.
--Prayer Chain Director
Thank you for joining us in praying for the following lists of current prayer needs.
If you have a prayer need, select "Please Pray For Me" and tell us who and what to pray for. We will add you to our prayers list.
Kelli S. - in a coma and on breathing tube; that God wrap Kelli and her family in His arms until she wakes up and begins recovering
Tim T. and parents - general prayers for God's love while at Mayo Clinic
Tracy and family - that Tracy relies on God's strength to get her and her family through this new challenge of Ovarian Cancer.
Brian and Tami D. - that they both get quick answers about their jobs so they have the security of a place to call home.
Taylor E. - that she have a successful heart surgery experience a deep peace and confidence in the Lord. Pray that her family will have this peace as well.
Neil D. - Stage 5 Kidney Disease; that he is able to get on the kidney transplant list
David H. - for peace of mind as he searches for a new job
Tonya R. - that she get through her cancer treatments and reconstruction surgeries knowing that God is with her through it all
Nancy D. - for current heart condition and deteriorating health, that she recovers well and is able to enjoy a period of good health
Family dealing with the adjustment of living with mental illness
Family of John Wolf - that theyrecognize God holding their hand through this difficult time of dealing with their abrupt and tragic loss.
For Debbie W.'s mother-in-law, that her last days are peaceful for her and for her family and friends.
Monica - for surgery related to breast cancer and quick healing
Teresa - for help in making important life decisions during a difficult transition
Justin - that he come to accept his new home and its opportunities
Carolyn - for God's comforting hands wrapped around her as she undergoes cancer treatments
Lori - for continued growth in marriage and family
Jackson-Phillips Family - general prayers that they rely on God to get them through these tough times
Anonymous with brain tumor - pray for successful surgery and quick recovery
Lewis Family - for loss of husband and father
Ed N. family - for the loss of their father
Rick & Laurie - for loss of daughter and continuing challenges
For all facing extraordinary circumstances, hardship, and loss - the foundation continues to pray for you
KIDS FOR KINDNESS
The Ripples of Kindness Foundation is pleased to have launched its Commit To Kindness Campaign. To date, we have distributed over 1,000 wristbands asking that people proudly display their commitment to kindness and performing acts of kindness toward others.
We have had a number of kids participate in the campaign and share their stories about the surprising feelings of excitement and joy they experienced as they watched the reaction of people who received unexpected acts of kindness. We are especially proud of:
Students in Annandale, Minnesota
After having his students read "Pay It Forward," Mr. Davidson asked his students to participate in the Ripples of Kindness' Commit To Kindness (C2K) campaign. Each student was given a wristband to keep and then asked to perform a random act of kindness of their choice for someone else to whom they also gave another wristband. They then challenged the recipients to pay it forward and do something kind for another person.
Students in Holland, Michigan
These students were assigned the Commit To Kindness project. They had to brainstorm ideas for acts of kindness, perform the act of kindness, then write a story about the impact of the act of kindness on others and themselves. Ms. Chandler created a wikispace group for the kids to use to share their stories. They have done some great things and discovered the joy of being kind to others.
Are you a teacher interested in having your class join our Commit To Kindness campaign? If so, contact us
and we can connect you with other teachers that have had great success.
If you are a teacher interested in having your students participate in the Commit To Kindness (C2K) Campaign, please contact us through our contact form.
We will have a board member or teacher who has completed one of our projects contact you.
Thank you for helping us expand the ripples of kindness. We appreciate you.
To read some student's testimonies, select the C2K Campaign Results tab above.
Have a blessed day.
Spring 2011 - 17 yr old female
For my second commit to kindness act, I didn't really think about it much. I've already done my commit to kindness, but I guess... It's already rubbed off on me. One day, I went to DQ to get some ice cream. As I was about to open the door, I saw this [nursing home] bus pull up in the parking lot. A bunch of elderly people were getting off the bus & most of them were handicap. My friends & I decided to hold the door for all of them. A lot of them were slow, but that was okay. It was great seeing them say thank you & have a huge smile on their face as they walked us. We held the door open for about a half hour because many of them needed help getting off the bus. DQ was so full that everyone curved around & the line went out the door. We held the doors open that whole time until everyone was inside. Then after we held the door open, we got in the back of the line. We then waited another half hour just to get our ice cream. It was great seeing them get out & having ice cream together. They were a happy crowd & I felt extremely good inside.
Yes, I have told people about this project. People have asked me about the bracelet. I have challenged some of my friends to join the challenge. Most of my friends already do a lot of acts of kindness, but they don't necessarily post about it. They feel that they don't need to be assigned an assignment just to "commit to kindness." Overall, all the acts of committing to kindness just makes me feel great inside. I learned that acts of kindness aren't really that hard to do. They might take some time but it's worth it knowing you'll make a huge difference in someone's life just for doing that little thing. It makes me feel like a good person inside & it could also make the other person's day. I will forever be one of those students that commit to kindness.
Male HS Student, Holland MI
This assignment, to me, is to go out and volunteer your time randomly to an unsuspecting victim without the direction of an adviser. Brainstorming for this assignment wasn't hard once I opened up my mind to a broad range of simple, yet, meaningful ideas. I would think of an idea then come up with a new one and forget the old, it was constantly changing. Even though I brainstormed many good ideas, the act I did was completely spontaneous. I was outside of Restore after my shift of volunteering and I saw a middle aged women and two young children trying to move over 240 ceramic tiles. For the next 20 to 30 minutes we moved all the tiles from her cart to the back of her car. She was very grateful because we moved all the tiles and she could keep an eye on her two children. I have told a few friends about the assignment and told them to challenge themselves to do nice things everyday. I learned from this assignment that the reward for helping some one unsuspecting can be greater than any monetary payment.
Female HS Student, W. Ottawa
Hi, my name is Richinna and Ive never done anything for someone i don't really know. This is a project that we were assigned for in our English class. I didn't really brainstorm for this project; I just did whatever I thought was nice. I just decided that I'll just leave money for a stranger and watch to see how they take it. I went to McDonald's and was having a conversation about the act of kindness and realized i still haven't done it, so I did it; after I ordered I left some money for the person behind me in line, who I didn't know at all. I went to sit down close to the front and I saw the expression on the person's face, they were happy & surprised. They looked at me and smiled. I told my mom and my brother about this project and they both think it's really cool. After doing this assignment, I realized that doing things for strangers and seeing their expression is exciting, makes me feel good inside & it makes me feel accomplished. (:
More stories coming...
Go to Kids For Kindnessto learn more about how kids are getting involved!
Currently, the foundation is continuing to coordinate donations for the following:
Family #1: Thank you to those that supported this effort. The dad found employment and the family is doing well.
Family #2: Two-parent home in Indiana taking on additional children who needed a home. Gift cards to Target or Wal-Mart appreciated. Send donation to "Family #2" c/o Ripples of Kindness Foundation if you want to contribute to this family's needs.
We appreciate your donations toward these worthy causes. Every dollar helps. Thank you for spreading the Ripples of Kindness. Please mail donations to:
Minneapolis, MN 55449
For all "in kind" donations, be sure to designate a specific cause on your check. Otherwise, your donation will go into the general fund and be used to help the many others in our communities that need assistance.
To refer someone in need to us, please go to our Contact page and submit an email with more information. Be sure to include your contact information, a description of the service or item needed, and a brief summary of the recipient's situation that created the need.
Food For Thought
We've all heard it before... a smile takes far fewer muscles than a frown. So why not practice the simple act of smiling more often? If you pass someone on a sidewalk, in a hallway, or in the coffee shop, flash them a smile and perhaps throw in a kind greeting. When they experience the warmth of that small gesture, they will pass it on to others who will pass it on to others. So begins the Ripple Effect.
To learn more about us, select one of the tabs below.
Who We Are
The Ripples of Kindness Foundation team consists of a group of people from different walks of lide, but all sharing the same passion for making our world a better place. We formed this non-profit organization in order to begin a ripple effect by dropping small acts of kindness on others in hopes they will pass it on. We hope you will enjoy reading about our success stories and ask that you consider sallotting some of your charitable givings to our foundation.
Board of Directors:
Amy, Membership Director
AnneMarie, Executive Director to reach directly, may email anneklimek_hotmail.com
DJ, Kindness Connection Director
Lorri, Kids for Kindness Director
Nancy, Prayer Chain Director
Special thanks to Mark and Troy for helping us get our web site launched.
Apply For A Grant
We invite you to apply for or nominate someone for a one-time grant. Individual grants in amounts up to $250 are awarded as funds allow. You may have a unique or urgent need, or be struggling to meet day-to-day responsibilities due to dealing with fatal disease or special needs.
The Ripples of Kindness Foundation hopes to hear from you! Just complete this form, and we will review it in our next grant cycle.
Membership Information
The Ripples of Kindness Foundation appreciates and relies on its membership fees. Please consider a renewable annual membership and supporting the work of our foundation. Currently,100% of membership fees are used for scholarships and grants.
Please mail your memberhip fees to:
Individual Membership:
Raindrops $25-$99 Two "Commit To Kindness" Wristbands
Rainshower $100-$249 Above, plus one free Ripples of Kindness logo t-shirt
Waterfall $250+ Above, plus Membership Plaque for donation year
In addition to performing community service, the Ripples of Kindness Foundation responds to requests to help with unique one-time requests for single parents or families facing hardship due to extraordinary circumstances.
Recent Success Stories
The Ripples of Kindness Foundation is proud of its members for helping the following families recently.
Mom affected by government shutdown. Ripples of Kindness assisted with day care costs so child would be less affected by changes.
Single dad moving to own place. Our network helped him furnish his new apartment.
Those We Serve
The Ripples of Kindness Foundation serves its communities through community service projects. Additionally, it administers scholarships and grants to those families having difficulty meeting their everyday needs due to long-term illness, fatal disease, special needs, or a unique crisis.
How Can You Get Involved?
We provide you with a number of ways to get involved in the Ripple Effect. You can join our prayer team, or participate in one of our community service projects, or make a cash donation to support the work we do through service or grants and sholarships provided for one of the families in need.
Select the appropriate page or link to find out more.
Have A Need?
If you are a struggling family in need of a service or item, please complete our form below. Upon review and approval, we will post your need on the Needs Board.
What We're Up To
The Ripples of Kindness Foundation believes strongly in giving back to others in our communities through service projects. We know many people have a desire to get involved in community service activities. If you are looking for an outlet for your volunteer or charitable efforts, check out these links:
We are especially proud of all of the kids that have gotten involved in our Commit To Kindness Campaign. Learn more at
Through our Kindness Connection, we have been able to provide a way for people in need of service or items to connect with those who have time or resources to donate. If you would like to refer someone in need to us, please
Special thanks to the following sponsors and supporters of the Ripples of Kindness Foundation:
The Floral Trunk and Gifts
Fourth and Banning
Downtown White Bear Lake
651.426.8989
WaterMark-Multimedia
Moorhead, MN
612.760.1471
St John Lutheran Church and School
9231 Viking Blvd NW
Elk River, MN 55330
Vinaigrette
5006 Xerxes Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55410
Contact Us
The Ripples Of Kindness Foundation invites you to contact us with any questions or inquiries. We would also love to hear from you for any of the following:
Whether you want to get involved or you desire more information, please complete this contact form, and we will respond to you as soon as possible.
Thank you for your interest in the Ripples of Kindness Foundation and for taking time to contact us.
--Board of Directors
