Most people dream of their 15 minutes of fame. That’s why we have streakers at sporting events, reality TV and Oprah’s Book Club. But last month, I introduced you to a man who decided he’d serve others for the entire month of September. His name is Trey Morgan, and he called his volunteering endeavor, “30 Deeds, 30 Days.” Morgan’s not the first guy to do this (look up Jesus), but he’s the first guy in a long time that’s made us believe that small acts can impact the world — and he got it all on tape.
Last week, I co-hosted the screening (that’s me in the maroon tights) of Morgan’s 15-minute documentary highlighting his do-gooder acts. After guests dined on vegan brownies provided by the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, delicious pie from Ivy Bakery, caramel popcorn and a unique lime-infused tequila known as Given (pronounced like Givenchy) Liqueur, they became enraptured by the video, Morgan’s first to make.
“This is the first time I’ve put together any sort of film, and I’ve been a nervous wreck all day,” Morgan admitted.
He shouldn’t have been. The video (in its entirety, below) encouraged everyone in the room that they could do more in their communities. They even wrote down one deed they would do with the six hours left in their day on cards as they entered the room. If Morgan could hold down a full-time job and keep his wife Brooke (pictured below) while spending 30 days at different charities, anything was possible. Morgan also admitted to being changed.
“The one that I carry real close to my heart, and I’m getting a little teary talking about it … um, Musicians on Call,” Morgan said with visible tears. “These children, they can’t move. They can’t talk. All they can do is exist, and to walk in there with a musician and play something as simple as ‘Wheels on a Bus,’ they light up. And for that moment, they’re not sick, they’re not stuck in a hospital; it’s powerful. And that is the one that I’ll carry with me forever.”
One thing Encore magazine’s Chris Evangelista will carry with her forever is Morgan’s inspiration. She told Morgan and the crowd in the Q&A following the film that she was a 30 Deeds, 30 Days convert: “I kinda doubted you, like, when I heard about this whole project cause I was like, ‘Ah great, it’s just another, you know, like celebrity trying to get press’ … but then I spoke to you, and you’re so genuine. And I saw your videos and you’re so compassionate…. And I just wanted to tell you that you’re like a breath of fresh air to me because I live in this crazy city and everybody is just, like, passing by each other, and not caring what their story is … and to have you around it’s great.”
Agreed. After spending time with Morgan, I know he and his 30 Deeds, 30 Days initiative are going to be around for a very long time — longer than 15 minutes.
For more information about how you can get involved in your community, visit 30 Deeds, 30 Days. To view all of Morgan’s videos, visit Tonic throughout the entire month of November where we’ll be posting one deed a day.
Photo courtesy of AMP3 PR.
