Across America: Kindness+Generosity > $

Hello! My name is Tommy Lukrich, and I believe kindness and generosity should be rewarded. This May I am graduating, and could use some of that kindness and generosity to reward others. My plans are to travel across the United States and transfer other people's generosity and kindness with a $100 bill.





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www.tommywalks.tumblr.com





Hey everyone. I've switched the goal amount to $5400 instead of $10,000. At this point in the trip, I'm nearly positive $5400 will be enough. Please message me for more information if you're interested.



I love people, and that's one of the reasons I'm an actor. I realize how fortunate I am to have kind and generous people who have supported my dreams. They have helped me through the four most difficult years of my life. Even YOU have already helped me. Yes! You! A large portion of my tuition is paid for through Pell Grants, your tax dollars. Scholarships and work have also helped pay for tuition. I am fortunate to have zero dollars in outstanding loans. How does one do that? Lots of ramen and peanut butter. Now that I'm graduating, it's time to give back to others by showing them the power of kindness.



After finishing my freshman year of college, I needed to go on an adventure, but had less than $200 dollars in my bank account. I decided to walk across the state of Washington, and ran into the most incredible human beings.







Why are you doing this?



Helping others is one of my primary passions in this world. There are so many truly wonderful people in my life, and I want to do something in honor of them. Also, I want to bring an awareness of how many great/kind/generous people there really are out there. There are so many! People are complex though. A decent amount of people I know have put up walls out of fear which makes them seem like "bad" people (we are those people at times, as well). They fear that the world is out to get them. Here is what I aim to show: 98% of people are well intentioned, a small percentage of those hide behind their walls, and only 2% of people are truly lost. People are too complex to be labeled good or bad. Everyone inherently wants to be kind and generous.





How will the money be used?



The purpose is not to just walk across America, it is to get from one side to the other while encountering the most kind and generous of humanity. I will walk the entirety of the United States with no rides. If I take a ride, I will have to get back to where they picked me up. 



Now, why $10,000 you ask? (I've discovered that I should be able to do the trip with $5400.) I want to give each person a monetary reward when they give me a ride, or shelter, or offer money, or even if they help me in some other way altruistically. I don't want their reward to be a $5 bill, but rather $100. Imagine kind and generous people being the bankers of the world. What would they do with money? What will they invest in? Those possibilities excite me tremendously.



 

How much money did you say?



The goal is $10,000. (Now $5400.) Attached to the hundred dollar bills will be cards. Printed on those cards will be everyone's first name who donated. It's important that these kind people I run into understand that you gave them the hundred dollar bill, not me. If the goal is exceeded, the extra money will be given to other people I met that I wanted to reward, but was worried I wouldn't be able to raise enough money at the time. If there are more donations than I know people who deserve it, I'll put up a vote to the donors to see if they would be alright with the additional money being used for some of the expenses I've incurred during the trip. Expenses would include air fare to visit family, friends, and to get to my new home.





So...you're going to carry ALL the money with you?



Oh no!!! That would be a terrible idea! I will carry varying amounts of cash on me depending on where I am.





How are you going to survive?



During my last trek across Washington, I learned lots of tricks and tips for living on the road. I experienced mistakes and triumphs in dealing with the elements, and dangerous situations. I'm not worried about food or nutrition; I discovered different ways to eat healthy while out in the middle of nowhere. Bear spray is a must as it can deter more than just bears...





How are you making it back home?



Either through bus, plane, or train. I would love to take a train across the states! We'll see if that's feasible though. It's more likely that I'll find the cheapest option possible. It will be a one way trip as there is not enough time to go across and back.



How long will this take?



With the route I am planning, it will take about six months. (It's taking more than that. Probably more like 7 and a half.)





Does your mother know about this!?



Yes. And she is very supportive. Love you, mom! Thank you.







Thank you for taking the time to learn more about this project. Please post any questions you may have and I will respond promptly.