On April 20, 1999, news of the Columbine High School massacre rocked the world. Two high school seniors murdered 12 students and one teacher before they both committed suicide.
Evan Todd was the first student injured in the shooting. Weeks later, Evan and his football team went on to win the state title. He also began traveling the state to deliver speeches about how his team was able to overcome such tragedy, and in turn, inspire others. He never took off his 1999 Columbine High School football state championship ring. But 10 years ago, Evan lost the ring somewhere along his tour. Heartbroken, he thought it was gone forever.
Flash forward to February of 2015. 60-year-old Bobby Smith was hunting for rocks and arrowheads in a creek in San Luis Obispo, CA. Bobby served as a U.S. soldier in Vietnam and was living in a homeless shelter when stumbled upon a mysterious ring sitting in the creek. A local jewelry collector offered him $2,000 for the ring. But instead of taking the money, which he desperately needed, something told Bobby to find its rightful owner. He saw a name emblazoned on the ring — Evan Todd — and contacted Columbine High School.
Thanks to the kindhearted veteran, Evan was reunited with his long-lost keepsake.
So blown away by the unexpected act of selflessness, Evan decided to return the favor by creating an online fundraiser for Bobby. Donations flooded in, and Evan raised more than $100,000! Bobby decided to split the funds in half. "After speaking with Bobby and realizing the magnitude of homelessness among veterans we have decided to split the fund," Evan wrote on the fund's web page. "Fifty percent will go to Bobby and the other half will go to help other homeless veterans."
This is such an incredible story. It's amazing how a ray of light can emerge from such darkness. Please SHARE this story with your friends on Facebook!
