Looking at the month of February on a calendar always seems to draw your eye to February 14. We immediately think about that special someone and obsess over the most perfect gift to show just how much they are loved. With grand Valentine’s Day gestures being shared through almost every form of marketing, it’s easy to forget about how it feels just to receive a simple, hand made Valentine’s Day card. Caring Cards took a piece nostalgia to offer kindness to others that may need it the most.
Thinking back to time spent in Saperstein Critical Care Tower of Cedars-Sinai Hospital visiting friends, co-creator of ‘Caring Cards’ and Director of Shows for John Paul Mitchell Systems, Greg Bonhomme, remembered seeing patients without visitors. With this thought in mind, he suggested to his partner, Rabbit, that in leu of a lavish Valentine’s Day celebration, they spend time making Valentine’s Day cards to share with hospital patients. In 2017, the pair delivered 175 cards which was enough for every bed in Saperstein —with the goal eventually being able to share a card with every single patient in hospital care. Soon after, friends and family began to pitch in to create cards. From there, the word of kindness spread across the country encouraging schools and offices to jump on board.
When THE TEMPLE, a Paul Mitchell Partner School, co-owner, Sharon got wind of such a thoughtful initiative, it was a no brainer to get both Temple schools involved. Sharon shared, “Our school’s foundation is the culture. Having the ability to make someone’s day could mean giving to someone you may not even know”. Sharing the reason why Temple classrooms were transformed into a giant arts and crafts space, with THE TEMPLE Future Professionals made them even more excited for the opportunity to be a day maker. Instead of their normal canvas of hair, our Future Professionals thoughtfully crafted cards, with encouraging words to share with patients at Frederick Memorial Hospital and Anne Arundel Medical Center.
To be kind and to share kindness is a concept but when it’s believed and put into action makes it a lifestyle. Everyday, we are so proud of our Temple Team and Future Professionals for genuinely living the Paul Mitchell culture daily.
SOURCE: https://blog.cedars-sinai.edu/one-thousand-valentines-greetings/
