Sometimes, kindness begets kindness. In the case of Eli Feinstein, a 9-year-old with a modest drink stand in Paradise Valley, a gesture from Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker turned fundraising goals into a heartwarming tale of community spirit. Eli, aiming to support Almost There Rescue — a local dog rescue specializing in caring for pregnant dogs and their puppies — didn't expect his initiative to attract an NBA star. According to ABC15, Devin Booker contributed a $200 donation, doubling Eli’s collected sum and inspiring the young boy to set a new goal of $1,000.
The rescue organization has felt a wave of support since Booker's visit, which was captured on camera and went viral. “The whole story was just so organic, and it actually, you know, I could cry,” Sylvia Padilla of Almost There Rescue community told ABC15. Eli recognized his hero immediately when Devin Booker pulled up to his stand, electing to purchase orange Gatorade and banana chips, the simple staples of Eli's fundraising efforts. His act of generosity set off a "chain reaction of kindness," as Eli's mother noted in a statement obtained by 12News.
Before the surprising appearance of the Suns' shooting guard, Feinstein had managed to collect $217, just over his initial goal. Booker's unexpected visit has since spurred a surge in contributions and interest in the young philanthropist's cause. Evidenced by newfound attention to Almost There Rescue, which follows the viral spread of Booker's kindhearted stop at Eli's stand, community engagement saw a significant uptick. "Our phones have been off the hook. We've had so much more foot traffic," said Sylvia Padilla, a community ambassador for the rescue organization, to 12News.
This upcoming Saturday will find Eli's stand once again, this time with an expanded menu including dried strawberries and apples, at the corner of 51st Street and E. McDonald Drive from 8 a.m. to noon. Echoing the sentiment of his previous donors, Eli hopes that his efforts will continue to ripple through the community, touching hearts as they open wallets for the sake of the animal rescue. In anticipation of the weekend, another puppy from the Almost There Rescue is expected to grace the drink stand. For those who wish to contribute to Eli’s initiative, Almost There Rescue has invited direct donations.
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