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Here’s a long-overdue and heartfelt thank you to @IanKarmel. I’ll begin with some background info. I work for an alternative high school in Seattle. The school runs two homes for some of the students, a “boys house” and a “girls house.” My wife and I manage the boys house. (1/)
The school primarily serves at-risk youth. Nearly all of our residents come from low-income families and/or broken homes. Our two current residents were both previously unhoused, to give you an idea of the types of kids we serve. (2/)
Back in January, Ian asked his followers if they knew where he could donate his old clothes. Half-jokingly, I asked him if he wanted to mail them to me in Seattle because we had a kid who could use them. I never expected an answer, let alone that he’d actually send us stuff. (3/)
Ian DM’d me and said, “I’d like to buy some new clothes for your guy!” I was blown away. I told the resident (who we’ll call Jeff) that Ian wanted to buy him new clothes. Jeff was skeptical. I showed him photos of Ian and he said, “Ian dresses well for a man of his stature!” (4/)
Jeff began to get excited. As a bigger guy, he always struggled to find clothes that fit, and trips to the department store often left him feeling discouraged and self-conscious. The idea of another big guy picking out clothes for him was a HUGE relief and encouragement. (5/)
I expected Ian to buy him a shirt or two. Nope. Ian bought Jeff several hundred dollars worth of clothes. He was careful and intentional in what he picked for Jeff. A flannel shirt, a polo, UW Huskies gear, shorts, a belt, the list went on and on. I couldn’t believe my eyes. (6/)
Jeff was absolutely floored. His family had struggled financially for most of his life and most of his clothes were hand-me-downs or makeshift fixes, like this nylon belt from football. Receiving new clothing was a big deal to him, especially since it came from a celebrity! (7/)
Jeff felt inspired by Ian. He learned Ian played high school football, so he made me send Ian a pic of his senior football banner. He also was encouraged to see a big guy with a successful career, especially one as visible as Ian’s. He had me thank Ian a billion times. (8/)
When I told my coworkers about what Ian had done, they were in shock. Our Executive Director cried. Our staff members make huge sacrifices for our students, but we always wish we could do more. These kids deserve the world, but most have experienced real pain and trauma. (9/)
The staff was amazed to see this guy in Los Angeles - someone with no connection to our school - give so generously and thoughtfully to one of our students. Ian’s gift was a tangible lesson to Jeff that he is worthy of nice clothes that actually fit him well. (10/)
When April rolled around, one of the teachers came by to take senior photos for the three seniors in our house. Jeff excitedly went to his room to change clothes. He proudly emerged wearing the flannel Ian had bought him. (11/)
Fast forward to graduation night. What shirt did Jeff pick to wear under his graduation robes? You guessed it, his “dress shirt” - the black polo sent to him by one Ian Karmel of Beaverton, Oregon. (12/)
Ian, I don’t think I can appropriately express my gratitude to you. Your act of kindness sent huge ripples through our little community. More importantly, you helped Jeff feel proud of himself in ways he never had before. Thank you again. (13/13)
Also sorry this is so late, Ian! For a long time I chose not to post anything about this because I figured you didn’t do it for the attention, but that’s a silly reason to not express my gratitude publicly.
I’ll tag some members of the AFE community in the hopes that they’ll see what Ian did for Jeff. @MarsMel @SeanSJordan @thegissilent @AllFantasyPod @AFE_SubReddit @afe_mel
