#ServiceHeroSunday

Mister Rogers encourages us to look for the helpers. Tonight we celebrate four -- each a 2020 Service Hero, each with their own special gift to bring hope and build community. A chef, journalist, musician, and activist...crossing cultures and geographies to offer what they can to illuminate the way forward in this time of great challenge. On #ServiceHeroSunday, we draw inspiration from their examples and give gratitude for their leadership.

Chef José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, has nourished millions in the face of greatest challenge. The pandemic has expanded his mission quarantined cruise ship passengers in Japan and California. And, motivated temporary closure of his 20 restaurants out of concern for his employees and guests. But, he'll continue to pay his employees and transform a few of his restaurants into community kitchens, offering to-go lunches for people needing a meal.

WBZ-TV's Lisa Hughes is as familiar in community, as she is on the television screen. She lends passion, wisdom, and hands on leadership to help strengthen nonprofits including Pan Mass Challenge, Big Sister, Dorchester Boys & Girls Club, and -- we're proud to say -- Project 351. In the newsroom, she's an award winning journalist who provides clarity and connection as she guides us through world events and local issues. We're especially grateful for her compassionate presence during this time of great challenge. She models how factual reporting and lifting up a community is done with grace.

World renowned cellist YoYo Ma, is the founder of the Silk Road Ensemble, that unites diverse cultures through the common language of music. A United Nations Messenger of Peace, Yo Yo is sharing his artistry on social media to soothe the fear and stress so many are feeling. He calls it "Songs of Comfort". “In these days of anxiety, I wanted to find a way to continue to share some of the music that gives me comfort,” he captioned the video which has been viewed by more than 2 million people.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg cares deeply about the planet, but also extends that same care to her fellow activists. The 17-year-old leader of a global movement, stressed our common humanity as she encouraged all protests to move online. " "We young people are the least affected by this virus but it's essential that we act in solidarity with the most vulnerable and that we act in the best interest of our common society." Digital movement making as the responsible and caring path for the days ahead

Our nation's greatest abundance is the goodness of our people. These four Service Heroes demonstrate that kindness and care are essentials we all need for the days ahead.

Project 351
Introducing Good News!

We give gratitude for the hope, strength, and resilience of our national community. And, the many acts of kindness and care in response to the challenge of coronavirus.

Over the coming days, we'll use social media to share inspirational examples of community building and courageous leadership. We hope to bring you joy and to inspire even more of the best of our humanity.

This morning, we shine a light on four examples of goodness and the comforting words of Project 351 Service Hero Fred Rogers: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

#goodtrouble
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1. Out of concern for arena employees who are unable to work due to the NBA’s suspended season, Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love pledged $100,000 of support.


2. Students from an elementary school in Nebraska heard about patients held under quarantine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and created get-well cards for each of them.


3. When Jordana Shmidman’s bat mitzvah celebration had to be postponed because of the coronavirus, her family had the caterers package up all the food in individual containers. Parent volunteers coordinated deliveries across New York for the quarantined staff and families of SAR Academy. Their kindness allowed families confined to their homes to still enjoy a Purim meal.


4. The 2020 Arnold Sports Festival in Ohio had to be cancelled, but the food was already prepared. Festival organizers saw an opportunity to do good! They rented refrigerated trucks to deliver meals for 200,000 first responders and families affected by the recent tornadoes in Nashville, Tennessee.

Project 351