Mouth That Roars

Bill Liblick has made a name for himself of National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the "MOUTH THAT ROARS" Column in the Sullivan County Post.

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August 28th, 2015

Kindness Goes A Long Way

The people of Sullivan County have always been there to help those in need.

A perfect example is the journey Carlos Torres and Erinn Gilmore began last December when they came up with the idea of a free holiday dinner aimed to feed the less fortunate, homeless, the elderly, and those who may have no families to spend the holidays with.

“A Dose of Kindness” was born last December following the holiday dinner held at the Ted Strobel Center in Monticello.

Almost 1000 people were fed that day in an event organized in only three weeks with donations from community leaders and local businesses.

Torres told me, “It was truly an amazing event filled with amazing food, a dessert spread fit for a king, live entertainment, a visit from Santa with pictures, gifts, candy, and so much more. It was a humbling experience! Following the holiday dinner it was pretty clear to us all how much good can come from a little extra effort.”

Now Torres is taking his concept to help people to a new level with the recently formed not for profit “A Dose of Kindness.”

Focused on giving back to the community while attempting to provide positive influences for the children of Sullivan County the organization is operating with the mission statement from Martin Kornfeld, “If we all do one random act of kindness daily, we just might set the world in the right direction.”

Torres said the new community outreach organization is “giving backing through acts of kindness aimed towards the underprivileged. Together our goal is to empower our community with a sense of unity, pride and respect.”

“We will provide our community with positive role models and encourage selfless acts of kindness & compassion to the underprivileged,” Torres added.

A Dose of Kindness is not faith or politically based. They are a team of volunteers who donate their time.

Board Members on the new organization includes Torres who serves as President, Kristin Simmons, Christine Hemmer, Georgiana Paes, and Devon Spagnoli.

Committee Members include: Heather Walsh, Michelle Orrego, Chris Harte, Ashley Baker, Frank Rukaj, Heather Walk, Jeff Lowndes, Jessica Wolsiefer, Lance Richards, Jamie Lake, Kaitlin McCann, Amy Benkovich Platt, Lionel White, George Nikolados, Melanie Codi, Christina Delores, and David Sager.

Their first major event will be held this Sunday with an old fashioned Street Fair on Broadway in Monticello from 11AM to 5 PM with all proceeds going towards funding their second annual holiday dinner.

They are also currently in the planning stages developing several other events including a coat drive, and a pediatric Cancer awareness fundraiser.

Torres, a father of four, has been an LPN for the past 12 years, and became known to Sullivan County residents as a radio host on The Berman Show podcast.

He currently hosts a show on WSUL weekday afternoons on the “Daily Dose of Los Show” airing 12 PM to 7 PM.

“We are asked quite often why we are doing this – My answer is why not? Why not be an example to our children? Why not donate a little bit of time to have a positive impact in our community? Why not be the change you want to see? I believe in what we are doing, I believe in bringing our community together,” Torres said.

“I believe in the results a positive influence can have on our children. I believe in lending our neighbors a helping hand. I believe in the growth and bond that can be built through love, trust, support, and kindness. And I believe A Dose of Kindness can spear head a movement of comradery and brotherhood with in our community and our children.”

The board members and volunteers of “A Dose of Kindness” all had something to say about why they are devoting so much time to the newly formed organization.

Kristin Simmons said, “Charity begins at home, and Sullivan County is our home. I am a believer that if we don’t guide our children with positive influence, good deeds, and acts of kindness, we are not preparing them for the real world. A Dose of Kindness affords local youth the opportunity to intermingle with other local children in safe, community oriented environments and activities, at no cost, regardless of race, religious faith, or financial status. Our goal is to continue providing such opportunities year round to our neighbors and residents of the area.”

Heather Walsh said, “Being a part of this committee means a lot to me because we do our best to give back to our community and bring smiles to the children. I am born and raised here watched all the changes and we are bringing positive attitude & kindness back. Change starts with one and more follows suite. For me personally I always try to help and make a difference in other lives that need our help. I believe in our mission.”

Frank Rukaj noted, “What we do is good because our organization gives back 100% to our community. We focus on our county, our friends, neighbors and family.”

Board member Devon Spagnoli said “Our organization is unique because it brings us together, from different areas, ages, race, and all different walks of life. We promote positivity in the communities we live in & raise our kids.”

Chris Harte, “It’s a good feeling to show people that other people care. I got in this during the Holiday dinner and it was part of what made me realize that no matter how little some people have others have less. Seeing thanks in a persons’ eyes with a smile behind it gives me a smile and a heartwarming feeling. It’s a beautiful thing being able show people love they rarely see any more. During the dinner all I had to see was one little girl smile and it meant the world to me. I love people and love showing them that love. In the end someone has to be an example for the next generation.”

Michelle Orrego, “We are doing this for our community because we are members of this community, we are the ones who have the ability and more importantly the responsibility to make a change for the better. To better the lives of our youth, elderly and less fortunate.”

For more information on a “Dose of Kindness” contact Carlos Torres at (845) 741-7475.

Yes indeed – Kindness goes a long way!

Bill Liblick has made a name for himself on National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in THE SULLIVAN COUNTY POST.

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