Have You Seen What's Been Going On At "Boobs, Injuries And Dr. Pepper?"

It started on August 12 with Crystal's furious post about a disappointing visit to a Red Robin restaurant, made worse by the discovery that her 8-year-old daughter had left a backpack containing a Gameboy at the restaurant:

"I immediately called the store and spoke with Lexi, who ... told me that she did, indeed, have the backpack... She said that ... the managers lock up lost & found items, so not to worry.

I went in today to pick up my item and Lexi reluctantly informed me that it was gone...

As I type, my sweet, generous daughter is softly crying on the sofa. She feels bad FOR ME because she knows that it was hard for us to afford the lunch outing and we can't replace the Gameboy. She is more crushed, however, that someone stole from her. What a terrific lesson for a child who bought that Gameboy with her own money."

Soon afterwards her post was updated by the following:

"EDIT: A member of our US Army just emailed me. He shipped Virginia a Nintendo DS. I am constantly humbled by the generosity and kindness of you all (several of you offered to PayPal funds or buy one and send it to her) and I can't thank you enough for the gift you've given me."

On August 13 Crystal posted that the Red Robin regional manager had called at 7:00 am offering to make it right, which was followed by calls offering to throw her daughter a party at the restaurant, as well as deliver a new Gameboy and backpack.  Later that day she posted photos of her daughter posing with the Red Robin mascot and the restaurant manager, who'd arrived at her front door loaded with replacement games, as well as Hannah Montana CDs and gift cards to Red Robin and a major electronics chain:

"And I want you all to know that when I explained to her how many of you were wishing her well and offering to help, she burst into tears. When I asked what was wrong, she said, "If I hadn't lost my stuff, they wouldn't feel bad and feel like they have to do something for me."

Later that same day:

"So...after talking with Paul (the incredibly sweet man who sent Virginia a Nintendo DS), he only wanted V to do what she wanted with the game he sent and does not want it back. Virginia wants very much to give it to someone who might otherwise never have one, so here's what we came up with:

1. If you know of a child who would be deserving, please email me at payingitforward2008@gmail.com and tell us about them. 

2. Virginia will pick 5 entries...  

3. I will post those here and let you vote for a winner...

By today, the 15th, Crystal has a PayPal link on her blog to contribute to "Paying It Forward For Kids," along with pledges from Red Robin and private donors to try to make sure that anyone who submits a worthy request will receive a handheld video game.

What a brilliant recovery by Red Robin.  What a splendid attitude from an eight-year-old, one that puts many petty adults to shame.  What a grand response from the blogging community.  My daughter and I have been following this story's progress with great interest and we think it deserves wide publicity.  Please visit Boobs, Injuries and Dr. Pepper.

Comments

[Izzy]

Wow, that story is quite a testament to the goodness that exists in the world, despite what seems, at times, like overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

[Daisy the Curly Cat]

I just read the whole story over there, and it warmed my heart. I believe there are many, many, many more good people than bad!

[Elle]

Wow. My faith in mankind burns a bit brighter. Let's go out there and spread the good!

[Rita]

I wonder why Red Robin chimed in AFTER the gameboy was replaced, and not before. Perhaps it's the cynic in me, but they had the responsibility to replace that "locked up" and "secure" gameboy BEFORE somebody else stepped in.

After having read the story, I believe that it is the members of our Armed Services who should "benefit" from the publicity, and NOT the restaurant's now "generous" replacement (complete with MASCOT). Red Robin should make a VERY generous donation to our Armed Services - anonymously.

As to Crystal, more power to you!

Rita

[mspennylane]

That is such a sweet story - and yes it does put the rest of us to shame!

[Kim]

what a generous soul. I am so happy for your daughter.