🌎 A Summer Filled with Compassion

Throughout this year's campaign, our employees, contractors, alumni, and even family members found countless ways to make life a little brighter for someone else.

We watched people...

❤️ Feed families facing difficult times.

🥤 Surprise strangers with cold drinks during record-breaking heat.

🚗 Help someone get to work by putting gas in their tank.

📚 Support local bookstores and small businesses.

🐾 Care for rescue animals waiting for loving homes.

🛒 Purchase groceries for families in need.

💙 Encourage healthier lifestyles by sharing knowledge and hope.

🧥 Donate clothing and essential items to shelters.

🤝 Volunteer their time for organizations serving their communities.

🚚 Thank delivery drivers, sanitation workers, veterans, and everyday heroes.

Every story was unique.

Every act mattered.

Every kindness made our world just a little better.

A Moment That Changed Everything

While fueling her vehicle, Margarietta noticed a young person nearby pumping gas.

As she watched, it became clear that they could only afford five dollars' worth of fuel.

In today's world...

Five dollars doesn't go very far.

It certainly isn't enough to get through an entire week.

Without hesitation, Margarietta knew exactly what she wanted to do with her FM Talent Random Act of Kindness gift.

She walked over and handed the young person $20.

At first, there was surprise.

Then came a smile.

Then came gratitude.

The young person explained that with the extra fuel, they would now have enough gas to travel back and forth to their part-time job for the entire week.

In that moment, the gift became about much more than gasoline.

It became about opportunity.

Reliability.

Hope.

And the confidence that someone believed in them.

Kindness Comes in Many Forms

Animal rescue volunteers spend countless hours cleaning, feeding, transporting, comforting, and caring for animals they may never keep.

They do it simply because every animal deserves to be loved.

Tatjana's donation may seem small on paper.

But when combined with hundreds of other generous hearts, it becomes food in a bowl.

Medicine when it's needed.

Warm blankets.

Safe shelter.

And perhaps most importantly...

Hope.

An Unexpected Encounter

On Sunday, July 26, Mohamed noticed a homeless man standing outside a local Wingstop.

Like so many of us, he could have continued walking.

Instead...

He stopped.

Using his FM Talent Random Acts of Kindness gift, Mohamed handed the gentleman $20.

The man's reaction was immediate.

He was surprised.

He was grateful.

And in that brief exchange between two strangers, something remarkable happened.

Both of their days became a little brighter.

A Refreshing Surprise on a Scorching Day

July 14th wasn't just another summer afternoon.

The entire DMV area was in the middle of an intense heat wave, with temperatures climbing and people searching for any bit of relief they could find.

Then something unexpected caught Sharnice's attention.

Along a neighborhood street stood a simple table.

No business signs.

No prices.

No expectation of anything in return.

Just a family of three offering free ice-cold bottles of water and refreshing lemonade to anyone passing by.

Drivers slowed down.

Neighbors stopped to chat.

Pedestrians smiled as they accepted a much-needed cold drink.

It wasn't about selling lemonade.

It was about serving the community.

The People Who Keep Our Days Moving

As someone who frequently uses delivery apps, Angela realized that while many of us are comfortably working or relaxing in air-conditioned homes and offices, delivery drivers are spending hour after hour...

Opening car doors.

Carrying heavy bags.

Walking through parking lots.

And doing it all under the relentless summer sun.

Every delivery represents another stop.

Another staircase.

Another trip back to the car.

Another customer they're helping.

That's when Angela knew exactly where her Random Act of Kindness belonged.

A Journey That Started With One Decision

In April 2025, Niki accepted a challenge that would ultimately change her life.

She participated in her very first Redline Challenge, embracing a whole food, plant-based, no oil lifestyle.

What began as a personal commitment soon became an incredible transformation.

By November 2025, Niki had lost 50 pounds.

Even more importantly, she discovered a healthier lifestyle that she was able to maintain long after the challenge had ended.

People noticed.

They complimented her.

They told her she looked amazing.

But surprisingly…

Very few people ever asked how she had accomplished such an incredible transformation.

📖 A Hidden Treasure in Newark

While exploring downtown Newark, Ohio, Nikki discovered a place unlike any other.

Kicks and Mix isn't just a bookstore.

It's a gathering place...

A creative space...

A labor of love.

Owner Dianna Spain has dedicated herself to building something truly special for her community. Often working seven days a week, while also embracing the joys of being a grandmother, Dianna hosts book clubs for adults and children alike and creates beautiful artwork from recycled books that fills the store with warmth and imagination.

Like many independent businesses, however, Kicks and Mix has faced significant challenges since the COVID era.

Without the ability to hire additional employees, the bookstore now depends heavily on volunteers to help keep the shelves full and the doors open.

When Nikki learned their story, she knew exactly where her Random Act of Kindness belonged.

A Second Tip... Straight from the Heart

Instead of taking the kindness envelope home, Akia quietly left it behind as an additional tip for the server.

No announcement.

No expectation of recognition.

Just one heartfelt gesture of appreciation for someone who had made her day a little brighter.

As she walked away, Akia couldn't help but hope that the unexpected gift would make her server smile.

And chances are...

It did.

A Gift That Arrived at the Right Time

Without hesitation, Andrea reached for her FM Talent Random Act of Kindness envelope.

She handed the woman the kindness gift along with the RAK card, explaining that it was part of a company-wide effort to spread compassion throughout our communities.

In that moment, the gift became much more than money.

It became encouragement.

It became hope.

It became a reminder that even during life's darkest chapters, there are people who genuinely care.

Sometimes the greatest blessing isn't simply receiving help.

It's realizing you're not alone.

Passing Kindness to the Next Generation

Perhaps the most inspiring part of Jovonna's story is that her children were part of the experience.

By serving together, they witnessed firsthand what compassion looks like in action.

Acts of kindness don't simply meet today's needs.

They also teach tomorrow's leaders.

Every meal prepared.

Every volunteer hour given.

Every helping hand extended...

Plants seeds that continue growing for years to come.

Doubling the Surprise

As Anthony waited at the pump, he noticed the driver in front of him purchasing $10 worth of gas.

He quietly asked the attendant to make it $20 instead.

"I'll cover the extra $10."

One stranger unexpectedly drove away with twice as much fuel as planned.

Then Anthony looked behind him.

Why stop there?

He repeated the same act for the next customer.

Another stranger.

Another unexpected blessing.

Two people who arrived expecting only a few gallons of gas left with more than they anticipated—and a reminder that kindness still exists in the world.

A Moment That Couldn't Be Ignored

As part of FM Talent's Random Acts of Kindness 2026 Campaign, Laura was traveling through her neighborhood when she noticed a woman standing along a busy street holding a sign asking for help.

It was one of those moments we've all experienced.

A stoplight.

A busy intersection.

A person hoping someone will notice.

Instead of looking away or wondering if someone else would help, Laura reached for her FM Talent Random Act of Kindness gift.

She handed the woman the $20 kindness gift.

Her response was immediate.

She was deeply thankful.

More Than Shelter

Organizations like Central Union Mission provide far more than a place to sleep.

They offer nourishing meals.

Safe shelter.

Counseling and recovery resources.

Life-skills support.

And perhaps most importantly...

Hope.

For many individuals experiencing hardship, these services represent the first step toward rebuilding a brighter future.

During periods of extreme heat, they can also become lifesaving resources.

More Than One Item

As part of FM Talent's Random Acts of Kindness 2026 Campaign, Dr. Stanford decided to use her Random Act of Kindness gift in a way that would help children prepare for a successful school year.

Rather than purchasing a single school supply, she used the $20 kindness gift—and added even more of her own—to create an entire collection of school supplies for children in need.

It wasn't simply about filling a donation bin.

It was about helping students begin the school year feeling prepared, encouraged, and ready to learn.

Beating the Heat Together

Summer training demands dedication.

The sun is relentless.

The workouts are challenging.

Every sprint, jump, and lap requires determination—and staying properly hydrated.

Knowing the extreme temperatures could take a toll on his athletes, Coach Paul decided to perform his Random Act of Kindness in the simplest, yet most meaningful way.

He provided cold bottled water to his team during practice.

To many, it may have looked like a cooler full of water.

To his athletes, it was something much more.

It was encouragement.

It was care.

It was a coach looking out for the well-being of every member of his team.

An Unexpected Encounter

Like many Costco shoppers, Puth decided to stop by the food court to enjoy one of the best bargains around:

A hot dog and a drink for just $1.50.

As he waited in line, he noticed an elderly woman slowly making her way toward the counter.

She appeared to have both physical and cognitive challenges, but she approached with determination, holding a single dollar in her hand.

With a hopeful smile, she pointed toward the hot dog.

It was clear that was what she wanted.

More Than Just Great Customer Service

Like many grandparents, Gay enjoys shopping for bargains and little surprises for her grandchildren.

Over time, one employee at her favorite department store began to recognize her.

What started as a friendly interaction gradually became something much more personal.

Every visit was met with genuine enthusiasm.

"What are you buying for your grandkids now?"

If it had been a while since Gay's last visit, the young woman would greet her with a smile and say:

"There she is! What are you getting the babies today?"

Those words may seem simple.

But they meant something.

Because they showed that someone had taken the time to remember.

More Than Just Gas

To most of us, filling up the gas tank is part of our daily routine.

But for someone facing financial hardship or an unexpected setback, even a few dollars for gas can feel out of reach.

It can mean getting to work.

Picking up a child.

Making it home safely.

Or simply knowing that someone cared enough to help.

Javon's act of kindness wasn't just about gasoline.

It was about lifting a burden.

Even if only for a moment.

A Stranger in Need

While stopping for gas, Josezetta noticed a young man, around 25 years old, walking from person to person asking if anyone could spare a little money for gas.

His car sat stranded nearby.

The summer heat was relentless.

He was drenched in sweat.

And the look on his face said everything.

He wasn't looking for charity.

He was simply hoping someone would help him get home.

Like so many people today, he had found himself caught between rising expenses and an unexpected hardship.