Huckleberry's Random Acts of Kindness Fund

My "huckleberry friend" Warren Bowe always endeavored to see the good, the true and the beautiful in the world. His kind and compassionate heart often led him to express his love for others—especially the most vulnerable amongst us—through random acts of kindness. This is one of the things I will miss most about this beautiful human being who was a beloved high school English teacher for 35 years. Warren retired in June and was in the process of discerning how he would contribute to making the world a kinder, more gentle place in this next chapter of life. Unfortunately, in early September 2020, he contracted the COVID-19 virus, and after four weeks of hospitalization, breathed his last breath on Sunday, October 18, 2020. Thousands of people who knew and loved this beautiful soul and legendary teacher are heartbroken, including me and other friends of his here in North Minneapolis–a community that became very special to him this summer.

This summer and fall have been particularly challenging for our city and Northside community for all the reasons you can imagine. During this time, Warren participated in many random acts of kindness in this community, and I will deeply miss partnering with him to bring a little love and joy to the lives of friends and neighbors going through difficult times. 

Many of my family and friends have asked how they can contribute to Warren's legacy of love in our community. Those inquiries inspired me to create Huckleberry's Kindness Fund* in Warren's memory. Through this fund he will continue to conspire in spirit with me and my new sidekick Huckleberry (read about this sweet three-legged dog below), as well as other Northside friends to shine a little light in this corner of the world that is especially hurting now.

 With the assistance of trusted friends, I will administer Huckleberry's Kindness Fund (through a special account at Sunrise Banks). Together, with Huckleberry at our side, we will brighten people's days through random acts of kindness that might include:

Bouquets of flowers or fresh produce from the farmers' market
Baked goods
Care baskets
A bundle of firewood
Support of a young person starting a lawn care or snow removal business (tools, business cards, flyers, etc.)
A hat or warm pair of gloves at the right moment
Money for the repair of a broken snowblower or lawn mower
An impromptu portrait session with printed photographs
Running an errand for an elderly, sick or disabled neighbor
An inspiring book or movie
A warm blanket

These are examples of the kinds of little things that can make a big difference for someone feeling a little lonely, anxious, or alone in the world. I know these sorts of random acts of kindness from family and friends over these past weeks have made a BIG difference for me in my grief around losing my dear friend. 

You can rest assured that 100% of your gift will go to brightening someone's day, as this is a grassroots effort by friends of Warren's, so there is no overhead. Thank you for considering a gift, and for helping to keep his legacy of love alive on the Northside. 

Contributions can also be sent via US mail with checks made out to "Huckleberry's Kindess Fund" and sent to:

Brian Mogren
c/o St Jane House
1403 Emerson Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55411

If this is a memorial for Warren, write in the memo: "In memory of Warren Bowe"

If you are making this contribution as a gift to someone, please send me a message and I'll create a customized message that you can send to them letting them know of your gift.

Whether you contribute to this fund or not, please consider the ways that you can bring a little more light and love into this world through random acts of kindness in your own community. The world needs it now more than ever as we've become so fearful, anxious and divided. This is not who we are. In fact, there is no "Us and Them", there is only "Us". An act of kindness toward someone who is different from you, or with whom you disagree with politically, could really make a difference toward healing this divide.

With much love and gratitude, 

Brian

*How Huckleberry's Kindness Fund got its name:
One month to the day of his passing, my beloved friend Warren brought a new friend into my life­—a sweet dog I named “Huckleberry”. His name is inspired by the song Moon River, a favorite song of ours. Huck has been through a lot in his young life. In early November 2020, he was found in South Dakota, scared, alone and needing medical attention for a bullet wound to his right leg and a poorly healed broken left leg. Thanks to Ruff Start Rescue , he got the critical care he needed, which sadly involved the amputation of his left leg. Today he is recovering well here at his forever home at the St Jane House  in north Minneapolis where he has been a source of great comfort and love to me and others who have met him.

This fund is not a nonprofit, so gifts are not tax-deductible. If you have questions or want to learn more, please reach out to me via email and let's talk.

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"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."– St. Teresa of Calcutta

"In the end, only kindness matters."–Jewel, from her song, Hands