2 minute read
Sowing The Seeds of Generosity
Acts of Kindness Can Truly Change the World
Slowing down long enough to take a moment to enjoy smothered and covered eggs while eating delicious waffles swimming in sticky syrup could be a moment that plants a seed for a lifetime.
For music recording artist manager Gaines Sturdivant II, there haven’t been many moments sweeter than the one when his elementary-aged son, Gaines III, established a connection with Waffle House associates Terri and Dawn because of the warmth and friendliness they shared during regular visits to the local restaurant.
Sure … it’s Nashville, a bustling city known for its hospitality, but this connection was something different. Terrie and Dawn’s genuine interest in their guests inspired the fatherson duo to pen a children’s story about individual acts of kindness and the ability to change the world.
The book, A Waffle Can Change the World, can now be found at Waffle Houses nationwide, in bookstores and online. Net proceeds from the sale of the book help to grow the Sturdivants’ intergenerational fund of the same name at the Community Foundation.
Through his daily work, Gaines II has helped several artists expand their roots into the community by establishing charitable funds at the Foundation. And it was these precious moments with his son at Waffle House that he was able to sprout the budding philanthropist in Gaines III, as well.
Instilling the spirit of compassion and generosity at a young age is incredibly inspiring. It is this kind of sowing of seeds that leads to community members treating each other with love and kindness – just as Waffle House associates Terri and Dawn did with the Sturdivants.
In 2022, the Sturdivants distributed their first-ever grants focusing on youth development, housing stability, and shelter for the unhoused. In his simple act of kindness, Gaines III proudly represented the family and presented grant awards to seven local nonprofits with funding to be utilized in a way the organizations felt would be most impactful.
Grantees include:
Endure Athletics
Freedom Aviation Network
Nashville Dolphins
Nashville Rescue Mission
Oak Hill School
Rooftop Foundation
Water Walkers
