Hi, I'm Tom Ballard, "The Heart Rock Guy".

I heard about the tragic school shooting in Bend, Oregon, at Silver Rail Elementary School today, Oct 15, and I realized that I can do something to help not only these students and their families, but many other students and families in the area.

I work with dozens of stone carvers to make beautiful, handmade stone hearts. I use my social media to inspire thoughtful folks to share them as tools for reminding others that they matter, are loved, and are not alone.

I am going to reach out to my social media followers and ask them to donate to me so I can personally go to Bend to deliver as many hearts to those families affected and as many others as possible (by sharing them with local school counselors, therapists, etc.).

I will personally cover all of the costs of the trip and donate the first 100 hearts.

This fundraiser is very simple:

Every $1 donated I will donate a stone heart to a family in Bend.

I will deliver them before the students leave for Christmas Break.

I will document my experience and share it on my social media, all while respecting the privacy of those involved.

I've done this over a dozen times before for communities that have faced similar situations (Uvalde, Perry, Tremonton, etc.) It's been very well received, and is a simple way to offer everyone a little reminder, without singling anyone out, or leaving anyone out.

Thank you for considering sharing or donating. I greatly appreciate it!

You can learn more about my Heart Rock Kindness Movement on my social media and on my website. Just search for "The Heart Rock Guy" to find me. I received the Utah Governor's Spirit of Service Award in 2026. I've been on KSL News, ABC News, several times. I have dedicated my life to making and sharing as many hearts as I can. In September 2026, I shared my 500,000th heart! My goal is 1M by Nov 2029.