Recently, I was in Dallas enjoying a customary breakfast buffet before a Texas Business Leadership Council Executive Committee meeting. The meeting was productive, and we left the boardroom to continue with other meetings in another part of the building.
All sounds routine, right? However, as we were listening to speakers later that morning, I looked down at my hand and realized I was missing a ring. Not just any ring, but my grandmother’s wedding ring. Panic took over, and I left the room to retrace every step I had taken. Alas, I could not find the ring. I reported the loss to the hotel and thought, I guess whoever finds it needs it more than I do.
But my faith in mankind was once again strengthened when, at the seated lunch, one of the waitstaff came up to me and said, “I heard you lost your ring, and here it is.” He said he found this irreplaceable ring (pictured above) on the floor in front of the breakfast buffet. I was not only thrilled to recover this family heirloom but also so thankful that someone went above and beyond to return it to me—an act of true kindness. I gave him a small reward, which he was not expecting, but I was glad to offer a token of my appreciation.
As we approach this holiday season, when it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, I hope we will all find opportunities to do random acts of kindness.
Tonight, I am honoring and celebrating my Texas Trailblazers young leaders with a party at my home. It would be much easier to hold the event somewhere on the UT campus, but I want to share my home with these outstanding students as one more way to go above and beyond.
If you are feeling generous this holiday season, here’s a shortlist of organizations I hope you will consider supporting:
- Texas Trailblazers: Gay Gaddis Leadership Program: Funds leadership education for exceptional University of Texas undergraduates.
- Texas Cultural Trust: Advocate for art education and artistic excellence in Texas.
- Texas Book Festival: Premier literary event providing grants to Texas public libraries.
- Austin History Center Association: Preserves the city’s diverse stories.
- Foster Angels: Supports children and families in foster care.
- Heart Galleries of Texas: Helps children find permanent, supportive families by through art and community collaboration.
- Humane World for Animals: Formerly the Humane Society, leads the animal protection movement.
- Emancipet: Offers low-cost veterinary services nationwide.
Thanks to all of you who go above and beyond.
Gay Gaddis
Founder. Author. Artist. Trailblazer.
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