From Tawni Swearingen

Good afternoon sir,

I read your story and was truly touched by your kindness and ability to empathize with someone obviously outside your “circle”. Very, very few people look at the world beyond what their eyes see put themselves in another’s shoes and actively reach out the way you did to help someone in need of a helping hand, or simply a break in life. The $200 would have been just that, a break. But what you followed through with will change Troy’s life and others. You sir, started the momentum and many others are touched by the story to follow your example and it is truly inspiring. May you have success in all your endeavors.

Tawni Swearingen

From Carla

Dear Pete,

After a long day at work, I just saw yours and Troy’s story on Channel 5 news today… I immediately went to your web page and read all about the wonderful things you have done for Troy’s life.
I am 27 year old Special Needs Kindergarten teacher in the NW suburbs. In my field, we are always reminded and praised for the importance of our positions and the way a teacher can affect a child’s life for an eternity. As I am familiar with the stereotypes a businessman is sometimes linked to, I’m sure that you do not receive such comments or praise about your profession, but I would like to say (as I’m sure many have already) that your generosity and compassion for someone you didn’t even know is really amazing. You are really a kind person and have an enormous heart.

Sincerely,
Carla

From Tom

Peter,

The story I read in the Sun Times, and the follow-up on the website

concerning Troy, moved me to write this short note.

I have always told my wife and taught my children that all of us are only

a few moves from being destitute/homeless at any time, so

exhibit compassion to those less fortunate.

Our lives are now in a tailspin due to unemployment, but as we take on

the struggle, it is comforting to know that there are people out there

who embody the principles we teach our children.

May God bless you and your family not only for what you have done,

but for what you stand for .

Thank you,

Tom

From John

Hello Pete:

My name is John. I wanted to express my sincere thankfullness for people such as yourself. You demonstrated the utmost compassion for Troy. I am amazed, and yes almost cried when I read the story of Troy. I realize that we do not know each other, but this story touched me heart and I felt that writing this email was important. So many people in today’s world only think of themselves, and not anyone else. People from my viewpoint only seem interested in what they can get for themselves, and not what they can do for others. Helping this man get back on his feet, is one of those rare things you read about, especially coming from just one individual.

I myself was never homeless, but I do work a dead end entry level front desk job overnight. Or the graveyard shift as people call it. A boring job, but a gig that pays the bills for my wife and myself. I understand that a bad break could make anyone lose control of their life, whatever income that person makes. Life is a struggle for many, but education is the key. I myself did not finish college, as maybe I should have. But I am full of optimism and never give up. I always think toward the future, and what I can become. I am full of hope. I try to have compassion for all people around me, and try to put other people first. I am unable to donate to Troy’s fund, because I myself really do not have the extra funds to donate. But I will pray for Troy and his future, because I realize we are all one bad break from becoming homeless, and i have experienced this feeling of being homeless many times. I hope one day to start a business in the future, and travel the world and this is what keeps me going everyday.

So Pete, I want thank you again, for your helping this man get back on his feet. Your story of Troy really inspired me, about other people, as well as made me reflect on my own life, goals and aspirations.

Thank you, and may God Bless Troy and well as yourself.

Sincerely,

John

Pete Kadens

good morning all:
 
 
this was on the front page of the suntimes today(at least I heard it is…I am in New Orleans)…a great article and tells the whole story…thank you ALL for your help. Together we made a REALLY big difference. Pete
 
 
http://www.suntimes.com/news/zimmermann/931167,CST-NWS-homeless04.article

From Michelle Barrett

Pete,

Thanks so much for sharing your story about Troy with the Sun Times. It really touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I’ve made a donation to your cause. Thank you for bringing attention to Troy’s story. It reminds us all how fragile our own situations are. You took the time to listen to him and you’ve really made a difference. You’ve also opened my eyes and really touched my heart.

Keep up the good work!

From Patricia

Good morning and a wonderful Sunday to you,
 
       I am a 50 year young woman that lives outside of Fort Campbell, Ky. I
had been married to an Army pilot for 21 years and he left me basically on the
streets. There is so much more to the story but in a nutshell I am back on my
feet and it came one $40 put away at a time.
 
 You did not change his circumstances for an hour or a day, you chose the
lifetime approach. God, how I appreciate people like you more then anyone will
know.
 
What’s that…until you walk in a man’s shoes…? Not to be political but there
is so very much everyone of us to help our neighbors right here in this great
country.
 
I just had to say thanks so very much from the bottom of my heart, you matter
so much to this world.
 
                        Warmly, Patricia

From Sandra Tibbitts

Pete,

I have had a tough week, but when I saw Troy’s story on the news last night, it made me realize that I have it pretty good. I have been pretty down this week, but I wanted to thank you for renewing my faith in people. Good ones still exists, like you.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to help Troy and for teaching all of us a lesson. You are an angel.

From Ben Leblanc

Hi Pete,

Very impressive, keep up the good work. Also, I’d like to hear how Troy’s doing throughout the year and after. Would love to keep supporting him until he gets on his own feet.

Thanks,
Ben

From Jessica Shaver

Hi,
First of all I need to tell you how much Troy’s story has touched me. I
would like to help Troy but financially I am a bit strapped right now.
Has anyone donated a tv yet? I have 2 and if no one has donated a tv yet
I would like to donate my tv to Troy. It is basically brand new and I
have probably only watched it 5 times! Let me know…
Thanks!!
Jessica Shaver

From Peter Kelly

Pete Kadens came into the restaurant I work at last night, and I thought it no coincidence, so I felt I had to go right ahead and give the minute I returned home. It’s amazing how successful this initiative has been. It began just Monday morning! Too many charities these days, you feel like you give them some money and all it does is filter into upper management somewhere. This is a direct route towards helping someone’s life. Keep up the great work everybody!

From Heath McKinley

Pete,
Since my wife and I are Lifebook Alumni from September 2007, I would
be honored to donate my services to Troy for the next year…or
more…whatever it takes to help get this man where he needs to BE.

Have Troy contact the office next week for a consultation and exam
that suits his schedule. I’ll inform my staff, so they will know who
he is when he calls.

Gracias

From Linda Darragh

What an incredible piece on Fox! Dying to hear the details on this wonderful project and getting this great PR.
You have changed many lives with this effort.
Linda

From Nevine S. Webster

Pete- We just saw this via the internet… great work! Hope you can add this link to savetroy.com:

Troy’s Story on Fox News Chicago

Best,
Nevine & Aaron

From Regina Nelson

Hello,

I saw your story on fox news tonight and was moved to help any way I can. You are remarkable !!!!!

Thank you for the spirit of consideration!

From Mandy DeWine

Hi Pete -

I think this is such a great cause and touching story. I am diabetic as well, and have received extra meters throughout the years. If you could let me know where to send it, I have a One Touch Ultra meter that I would like to donate.

Thanks,
Mandie

Originally Posted 4/30 from Dr. Randi I. Ross

Hi Pete,

I received an email from Kevin (I was lucky enough to go through Lifebook with Kev), with Troy’s story. Your statement about we are all a few bad breaks from there is true. I hope you realize that you have done more than help Troy, you have challenged us all to look differently at that man across the street, and to think “is that person a Troy, and what can I do to help”

*If you let me know what area Troy is in, I will find a chiropractor to donate their services, to improve his overall wellness!

Wishing you Health, Happiness, Wealth and Wisdom,

Dr. Randi I. Ross

Originally Posted 4/30 from Elana Tuizer

Hi Peter,

Emily passed along your email today and I am truly touched by this effort. I would like help not just with sending money,but also buying some diabetic supplies. Do you know what type Diabetes Troy has? I would be happy to help with insulin or perhaps a blood sugar monitor and test strips. If you would let me know would be happy to help.

- Elana

Originally Posted 4/30 from Matt Kihne

Pete,

This is a pretty amazing story and I am glad to hear that there are people out there that will take time out of their day to embark upon the befriending of the less fortunate. God bless you.

I have given some money to the cause because I think it is a good one, but I would also like to offer some other things if you still need them. I have a smaller tv flat screen although not the thin kind, that I would be happy to give to him.

Let me know if there are any further things that I could do to help out.

You are very gracious.

Originally Posted 4/30 by Pete Kadens

FRIENDS:

Thank you all for your support. In just over 48 hours we have raised nearly 9,600 in cash donations and over $10,000 in furnishings.

Troy’s story will be a feature story TONIGHT on Fox News Chicago at 9pm. Make sure to check it out!

Please continue to check www.savetroy.com each day for ongoing updates on our progress.

Thanks again to each and every one of you.

Pete

Originally Posted 4/30 from Mindy Terry

Pete,

Thank you for the opportunity to help. I was touched by Troy’s story and your willingness to step outside your comfortable car. I am always moved by the way our Father in Heaven works through individuals to help others.

Are there any other furnishings that Troy might need? We have several items that I was contemplating selling. I’ll make a cash contribution through PayPal.

Cheers,

mt

Originally Posted 4/30 from Colleen Stelmaszek

Hi Pete,

I work with Aaron here in Houston. I just sent a small donation (more coming later), but wondered if you could publish his address once he’s settled in an apartment? I’d like to periodically order things online to be sent to him that he might need. And maybe some flowers or a plant when he moves in, just to give it a feeling of home.

Thanks for doing this!

Colleen Stelmaszek

Originally Posted 4/30 by Pete Kadens

FRIENDS:

Thank you all for your support. In 48 hours we have raised $8,000 in cash donations and over $10,000 in furnishings ranging from a brand new queen sized bed for Troy (Thanks to the Webster family) to clothes, toiletries and medical supplies.

We have received donations from 28 states. We have had thousands of unique visitors to the website. And this is only 48 hours! Imagine what we all could do together if we had a long term gameplan!

Special Thanks again to Jon and Missy Butcher, Glen Tullman, Jim and Renee Akers, Aaron and Nevine Webster for significant contributions!

Please continue to check www.savetroy.com each day for ongoing updates on our progress.

Thanks again to each and every one of you. Please continue to pass this on as we need to get to our goal of $10,300 TODAY!

Pete

Originally Posted 4/29 by Pete Kadens

Friends:

WHAT AN AMAZING 24 HOURS IT HAS BEEN!

We have received donations for NY, California, Texas, PA, WI, North Carolina and about 10 other states. We have raised over $7,400 (Updated 8:27pm) and counting!

We have received donations for social work services, medical support, medical equipment, clothes, furnishings, toiletries, even a brand new Queen sized bed!

Special thanks this morning to some really large contributors: Caroline Yacu, Terra Winston, Laurie Jones, Kristen Cunningham, Aaron and Nevine Webster (again), Jon and Missy Butcher (again), Nancy Weiler, and Linda Darragh.

WOW. Thank you so much. Stay tuned for updates every few hours!

You are all Troy’s saviors!

Pete

Originally Posted 4/29 from Glen Tullman

Pete:

This is another one of your crazy, well meaning schemes that probably will do good and change a life.

And, as I’ve learned, anytime you try to help, there will be people who question you. Remind them of the starfish story of the boy on the beach who was picking up some of the thousands of starfish who had washed up on the sand. He was approached by a man who questioned him. The man said, “Son, you can’t save all the starfish so what does it matter?” The boy replied, as he threw another starfish into the water, “It matters to this one”.

What you did matters to Troy. Thanks, Glen

Originally Posted 4/28 by Pete Kadens

Thank you all for your support. In 12 hours we have raised just a little under $4,500!

We have also basically furnished Troy’s apartment. There have been donations of a couch, table and chairs, 2 TVs, silverware/plates/dishes, clothes of all kind and even a beautiful suit care of my good friend Larry Hirsch at Tom James.

Special thanks to Scott Leisher, Naynika Chaubey, Mark Fantino, Tammy Chudzik, Larry Hirsch, Dave Tepper, Frank Richards, Denis Erkal, Aaron Webster, Michael Giampaolo, Jeremy Jones, Fritz Kreiss, and Jon and Missy Butcher of the Lifebook Lounge (www.mylifebook.com) for a substantial gift.

Thanks again to each and every one of you. Please continue to pass this on!

Pete

Originally Posted 4/28 by Eugene Revzin

Thank you to everyone for all of your kindness and generosity. I am indebted to Pete for helping me get involved (even in some small way) in supporting this good man in order to provide him with a chance to get back on his feet and rebuild his life, and to all of you for proving that a community can truly support a person in need.

The response has been overwhelming. Pete and I have been scrambling all day to constantly update the site as the donations come in. In a little over 12 hours, we have had over 700 unique visitors to the site and have raised almost $4,500 for Troy. Truly extraordinary!

We very much appreciate your comments and kind words. In the next few days we plan to have a fully interactive blog where you may post your comments or pass along messages to Pete and Troy. In the meantime, please continue to send those to Pete or myself, and we will update the site and keep you informed of the progress as often as possible. Thank you all again.

Eugene Revzin, Webmaster & Supporter

Originally Posted 4/28 from Tammy Chudzik

Pete, I cannot begin to tell you how touching this is. I truly admire you for stepping up and trying to change someone’s life (especially with everything you have going on in your life both personally and professionally.

Tammy

ps - what size clothing does Troy need?

Originally Posted 4/28 from Nancy Weiler

Dear Pete,

My daughter Gretchen forwarded to me your touching plea for donations. It would be an understatement to say that I was moved and saddened by Troy’s story. I hope my donation helps in even a small way.

I’d like to thank YOU though for taking the time to get to know Troy and thereafter for working to find a way to improve his quality of life. Troy appears to be an amazing human being with an equally amazing new friend.

Nancy Weiler

Originally Posted 4/28 from Lisa Berndsen

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I’m the woman from the mom’s site that said “I heart your boss”. I’ve been so saddened by the stories on the news of rice rations, drunken drivers, foreclosed homes, and the orphans created from AIDs in Africa. These things are present all the time, but it just seemed everywhere I turned was dispair. I cried when I read the story. I’m so glad you found Troy. I’m sure he’ll be helped and he’s a good man. But I also can’t think how many more there are like him. I would suggest (with the publicity I hope you grow to get from this) you start an organization to help more. I only donated a little, but I really hope the goal is reached soon. You are a beautiful person. Thank you so much for doing this. You are Troy’s angel.

Lisa