our story
1 | When did you start Rack the World?
I started the RACK the World Facebook page in December of 2011.
2 | What inspired you?
While browsing on Pinterest I came across an idea to perform acts of kindness each day of Advent. I was immediately inspired, and being a graphic designer decided to create a logo and card to share with my friends and family. The thought was, that by providing a card to go along with the act with an FB address on it, receivers could have a place to go to be inspired with ideas, stories, etc and that RACKing would multiply throughout our town of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
3 | How did you come up with the name?
Many random acts of kindness groups currently exist, going by the name RAOK. Because I wanted the focus to be on Christmas, I replaced the O with a C, giving us RACK. That led the the design of antlers (aka a rack) tangled with lights, as by performing these acts, we are infusing light into the world.
4 | Are you surprised by how it has taken off?
I am very surprised and thrilled with how much it has taken off. I will never forget the feeling I had when we reached 100 followers. Although I always dreamed that it would someday reach ‘the World’ I initially designed it for my family and friends in hopes of inspiring their communities to join in. We are now up to over 3929 followers, with posts from as far as Australia!
5 | What is the most heartwarming RACK you are aware of?
A personal story from 2013. My kids, Colin, Alexa and Nola, then 9, 7 and 5 made cards to bring to our local Cancer Center, to deliver to patients along with puzzle books and candy. This of course was touching, but even more so was the unplanned RACK that happened in the lobby. While on our way out, we noticed Christmas music being played. My son, who is currently taking lessons, made his way to her and said how nice it sounded. Things proceeded and magic happened. Here is the post she left on our page:
I got RACKED today! While I was playing the piano in the lobby at Lacks Cancer Center, this nice young family stopped by to visit. Their son is a budding pianist and he played a very nice rendition of "Ode to Joy". After we chatted for a while, I said that I was sorry they had to be at a place like Lacks, especially during the holiday season, and then they told me that they were RACKING Lacks, and that they had already been to the inpatient floor! Then the most remarkable thing happened: I had told them that today is my birthday, and, at the suggestion of his younger sisters, the young gentleman pianist, sat back down at the keyboard and played "Happy Birthday" for me while the whole family sang! It was one of the coolest birthday gifts I've ever received, and I will never forget it. Bless you for all that you do!
Another story from my husband:
I needed to go to the Dollar Store, so I taped 3, $1 bills to 3 RACK the World cards and set them on shelves throughout the store. Minutes later, a group of special needs adults came in on a field trip of sorts. Shortly thereafter, I heard a squeal of excitement..."I found a dollar, Ms Soandso!" Their chaperone quickly came over, first saying that someone must have dropped it, and it wasn't theirs, etc. Then she read the card, and said, "I guess it is yours" - then CHEERS by the whole group! I'm not sure what that person bought with their extra dollar, but it struck me as amazing, how a single dollar can make someone's day. Mine.
6 | What kind of response have you gotten since the story went viral?
In the past day, 1000 people have joined our site and the number grows by the hour. Many have already downloaded cards and shared some of their RACKs. The Facebook page and website provide a place for people to be inspired in the many small ways that people can make a big difference.
I started the RACK the World Facebook page in December of 2011.
2 | What inspired you?
While browsing on Pinterest I came across an idea to perform acts of kindness each day of Advent. I was immediately inspired, and being a graphic designer decided to create a logo and card to share with my friends and family. The thought was, that by providing a card to go along with the act with an FB address on it, receivers could have a place to go to be inspired with ideas, stories, etc and that RACKing would multiply throughout our town of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
3 | How did you come up with the name?
Many random acts of kindness groups currently exist, going by the name RAOK. Because I wanted the focus to be on Christmas, I replaced the O with a C, giving us RACK. That led the the design of antlers (aka a rack) tangled with lights, as by performing these acts, we are infusing light into the world.
4 | Are you surprised by how it has taken off?
I am very surprised and thrilled with how much it has taken off. I will never forget the feeling I had when we reached 100 followers. Although I always dreamed that it would someday reach ‘the World’ I initially designed it for my family and friends in hopes of inspiring their communities to join in. We are now up to over 3929 followers, with posts from as far as Australia!
5 | What is the most heartwarming RACK you are aware of?
A personal story from 2013. My kids, Colin, Alexa and Nola, then 9, 7 and 5 made cards to bring to our local Cancer Center, to deliver to patients along with puzzle books and candy. This of course was touching, but even more so was the unplanned RACK that happened in the lobby. While on our way out, we noticed Christmas music being played. My son, who is currently taking lessons, made his way to her and said how nice it sounded. Things proceeded and magic happened. Here is the post she left on our page:
I got RACKED today! While I was playing the piano in the lobby at Lacks Cancer Center, this nice young family stopped by to visit. Their son is a budding pianist and he played a very nice rendition of "Ode to Joy". After we chatted for a while, I said that I was sorry they had to be at a place like Lacks, especially during the holiday season, and then they told me that they were RACKING Lacks, and that they had already been to the inpatient floor! Then the most remarkable thing happened: I had told them that today is my birthday, and, at the suggestion of his younger sisters, the young gentleman pianist, sat back down at the keyboard and played "Happy Birthday" for me while the whole family sang! It was one of the coolest birthday gifts I've ever received, and I will never forget it. Bless you for all that you do!
Another story from my husband:
I needed to go to the Dollar Store, so I taped 3, $1 bills to 3 RACK the World cards and set them on shelves throughout the store. Minutes later, a group of special needs adults came in on a field trip of sorts. Shortly thereafter, I heard a squeal of excitement..."I found a dollar, Ms Soandso!" Their chaperone quickly came over, first saying that someone must have dropped it, and it wasn't theirs, etc. Then she read the card, and said, "I guess it is yours" - then CHEERS by the whole group! I'm not sure what that person bought with their extra dollar, but it struck me as amazing, how a single dollar can make someone's day. Mine.
6 | What kind of response have you gotten since the story went viral?
In the past day, 1000 people have joined our site and the number grows by the hour. Many have already downloaded cards and shared some of their RACKs. The Facebook page and website provide a place for people to be inspired in the many small ways that people can make a big difference.