Retailer embraces Random Acts of Kindness Day
Tiffany Wright stands next to the building that houses her business, Copper Fox Contrived, in 2021. (File photo)
Copper Fox Contrived, other Park Hills businesses participating in day that’s recognized by Missouri
Jeannie Barton-Northrup, jnorthrup@dailyjournalonline.com
One Park Hills retailer is taking seriously the relatively-new, Missouri-recognized day of Random Acts of Kindness, which came into being with a stroke of the governor’s pen after a Washington County woman lobbied hard for it as a way to memorialize her daughter.
Copper Fox Contrived, at 361 W. Main St., Park Hills, will celebrate Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) Day with free activities from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 31 with a Disney princess, a superhero, food, crafts, a bounce house, and lots of love and kindness.
Tiffany Wright, owner of Copper Fox Contrived, portrays Disney’s Elsa from “Frozen.” (Submitted Photo)
Tiffany Wright, owner of Copper Fox Contrived, said RAOK Day is all about spreading kindness to strangers.
“It’s promoting suicide prevention and awareness by being a selfless person,” Wright said. “Life can be hard, and you never know what someone is dealing with in their personal life. A random act of kindness, no matter how small, can be the deciding factor in how someone’s day will go.”
A meet-and-greet with the Elsa character from “Frozen” is planned from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wright’s flyer encourages the community to meet Elsa in person and strike a pose for unforgettable photos.
“Face painting will be available to make your day even more magical. And the best part? All of this is free of charge as we aim to spread kindness and unity throughout our community,” she said.
“I’ve been working hard to plan our Random Acts of Kindness Day free community event, and I’m just so excited with how things are coming along,” Wright continued. “We’ve enlisted the help of many fantastic local businesses to spread kindness throughout our community.
“Let’s make August 31st a day to remember —where kindness reigns and dreams come true. Together, we can create a ripple of positive change and show that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big impact. Spread the word, invite your friends and family, and join us for a day filled with enchantment and heartwarming moments.”
Wright said the following businesses are also participating:
- RaeCole’s Coffee Bar
- The Ragin’ Rooster Irish Pub
- Scoops on Main
- Domino’s Pizza
- The Beauty Loft
- Casey’s General Store Park Hills
- All Funk’d Up
- Park Hills Underground
- Brickhouse Social
- Main Street Grow Supply
- The RiverSide Grill
- The Barn
- The Ashlar Complex
- The Lunch Lady Food Truck and Catering
- Park Hills Public Library
- Sign Gypsies-Parkland
“We have such an amazing community, and we can’t wait to make you all feel the love,” said Wright. “Each business will spread kindness throughout the day in its own way. Some will be set up with us, volunteering their time or services, while others will celebrate RAOK Day in their own establishments. We just love this for our community!”
ROAK Day is a recognized day in Missouri, signed into law by Gov. Mike Parsons on July 13, 2021, as part of Senate Bill 72.
Lela Thompson, a Washington County resident, started RAOK Day to honor the life of her daughter, Shayley Akers, who died by suicide on Aug. 31, 2016, at 19 years old. Aug. 31 is also the day before the start of suicide prevention month.
“It could literally save a life. The best part is RAOK has a domino effect. Make one person feel that love, and I guarantee they will pass it on to someone else,” Wright said. “Maybe it’s as simple as holding the door open for someone or paying it forward by buying that person behind you a coffee; that small gesture shows people that there is still kindness in this world. Even if they are finding it hard to love themselves today, someone somewhere thought they were important enough to receive it.
“An act of kindness doesn’t have to be grand; it just needs to be genuine. Try it out. Spread kindness and see how good it makes you feel to put that positive energy out into the world.”
