Secret Santa visits Sandy victims....

[Risen Star]

A wealthy Missouri man posing as "Secret Santa" stunned New Yorkers on Thursday, handing $100 bills to many in Staten Island who had lost everything to Superstorm Sandy.

The Kansas City businessman is giving away $100,000 this holiday season, and spent the day in New Jersey and New York giving away thousands. But he says money is not the issue.

"The money is not the point at all," said the anonymous benefactor as he walked up to surprised Staten Island residents and thrust crisp bills into their hands. "It's about the random acts of kindness. I'm just setting an example, and if 10 percent of the people who see me emulate what I'm doing, anybody can be a Secret Santa!"

A police motorcade with sirens took him across the borough, passing a church ripped from its foundations and homes surrounded by debris. At a nearby disaster center run by volunteers, a woman quietly collected free food and basic goods.

"Has anyone given you any money?" he asked her.

"No," replied Carol Hefty, a 72-year-old retiree living in a damaged home.

"Here," he said, slipping the money into her hand.

"But this isn't real money!" said Hefty, glancing at the red "Secret Santa" stamped onto the $100.

"It is, and it's for you," he tells her.

She breaks down weeping and hugs him.

And so it went, again and again.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/1...n_2215717.html

[DFWJC]

I did that one New Years Eve in Dallas. Not at that level though.
It was fun, but a few people told me I was begging to get robbed or even murdered walking around at night with that kind of money.

[Risen Star]

Originally Posted by DFWJC

I did that one New Years Eve in Dallas. Not at that level though.
It was fun, but a few people told me I was begging to get robbed or even murdered walking around at night with that kind of money.

Well this guy had the means to prepare for that with a police escort.

[DFWJC]

Originally Posted by Risen Star

Well this guy had the means to prepare for that with a police escort.

Smart man.
I assume he's spreading it out over time too.

[JBond]

Originally Posted by DFWJC

Smart man.
I assume he's spreading it out over time too.

He gives away a minimum of $100K every year. He has been doing it as long as I can remember. I know him from working on this project for years (see link). He is an interesting guy. He almost never gives to people that ask. He is very particular about his giving. Nice to see him draw some attention to an area that is still a disaster zone.


http://www.elvesofchristmaspresent.org/#!__donate

[a_minimalist]

That's pretty cool and well needed. There are still a lot of families hurting because of that storm. A night in a cheap hotel is a huge upgrade for some.

[DFWJC]

Originally Posted by JBond

He gives away a minimum of $100K every year. He has been doing it as long as I can remember. I know him from working on this project for years (see link). He is an interesting guy. He almost never gives to people that ask. He is very particular about his giving. Nice to see him draw some attention to an area that is still a disaster zone.


http://www.elvesofchristmaspresent.org/#!__donate

Great stuff
Thanks, JB

[Passepartout]

He also asked the photographers not to take pictures of him. He is like an angel!