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Mrs. Ulmer's $20 Challenge: A Lesson in Kindness

The Description

In 2014, my sister died in a car accident, leaving behind some money in her wallet. Because she was so focused on helping those in need during her lifetime, I knew this money had to go towards helping others.

Therefore, after saving and contributing some money of my own, I decided to use the money to teach my students a lesson in giving and kindness. I gave each student $20 and challenged them to use it to do an act of kindness. My students took this challenge seriously and thoughtfully used their $20 to bring smiles to many faces. 

After completing my $20 Challenge with one class in the fall of 2018, I received enough donations to continue my kindness challenge every semester since. This spring, we reached our 300th act of kindness in my sister's honor.

Unfortunately, after this semester, I am out of funds, and I would love for this challenge to continue and for me to be able to teach this important lesson to more students in future years to come.

If you like to help spread kindness and help others, please consider donating to our $20 Challenge. Your money will go directly toward making the world a better place, $20 at a time. :-)

 

NOTE: Donors will receive an email with the video link when their funds are used (I'd like to show you what acts of kindness were done with your donation!). If you wish to remain anonymous when being thanked in the video, please let me know; otherwise, your name will appear at the end of the video. 

 

For more information, please view our 6ABC Action News segment or Philadelphia Inquirer article.

To view previous $20 Challenge's, please visit this playlist. 

 

 

Back Up Plan

If I do not reach my goal, I will use my money to fund future challenges until I can no longer afford it.

Fundraiser Updates (1)

$20 Kindness Challenge Update

November 19, 2025

Hello donors,

I know it’s been a year since your donation, but I wanted to wait until everything was officially finalized with the IRS before sharing this news.

First, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generosity. Your support truly means so much, and I would not have been able to continue this kindness challenge without you.

Furthermore, I’m excited to share that because of your donations, the $20 Kindness Challenge is now an officially recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This will allow us to continue raising funds, not only to support my students’ acts of kindness, but also to help other teachers across the country bring the $20 Kindness Challenge to their own classrooms.

Your financial support will never be forgotten. Being recognized and supported by family, friends, and strangers from across the country...Well, it has brought tears to this teacher's eyes. And it has shown my students that their actions and voices truly can make the world a kinder place.

Thank you for believing in my mission.

Forever grateful,
Kristina Ulmer
20dollarkindnesschallenge.org 

Comments (13)

Pam Ward October 31, 2024

Both of our girls did this in your 9th grade class, and they absolutely loved it! It's such a thoughtful and meaningful experience, hopefully you can continue this for years to come!

Diane Oloughlin October 29, 2024

This is an awesome undertaking. Best of luck this year!

Diane Manser October 29, 2024

I love you, Kristina!! Thank you for all you do for all of us to inspire us!!! I love you!
Diane

Anthony Adamucci October 26, 2024

I was lucky enough to be a recipient of this as one of the students used their $20 to do something nice for me. It made my day when I was having a rough week. It’s an honor to give back. Keep doing your amazing work Kristina!

Barb Lelli October 22, 2024

This is an amazing project and message to inspire high school students!

Shawn and Dawn Poole October 19, 2024

Keep up the good work!

Donna Warriner (Adrey) October 19, 2024

I grew up with your mom and Aunt Joanne. I remember when you started your act of kindness challenge and absolutely loved the outcome and lesson it taught your kids along with the and message it sent. I’m so proud of what you’re doing and am more than happy to support it. ❤️

David Baker October 19, 2024

Kate was the best person I've ever known.

Kay McBride October 18, 2024

This is in honor of Helen

Camille Perretti-Fiato October 18, 2024

Katie’s legacy lives on ❤️

Carol Clift October 18, 2024

God bless you and your family!!

Elizabeth Daleandro October 18, 2024

Such a beautiful and powerful lesson.

Renie October 18, 2024

I so proud of my niece Kristina for continuing this beautiful tribute. I will always miss and love Kate.

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About the Creator

I am an English teacher in the suburbs of Philadelphia and have been teaching for 20 years. I feel that teaching is my calling and that I am privileged to play a role in developing my students into adults.

Investments (51)

$20

Wayne Arminavage II

1 year ago

$500

Laura and Mike Evans

1 year ago

$20

Anonymous

1 year ago

$200

Pamela Ward

1 year ago

$50

Andrea Marchetti

1 year ago

$60

Diane Oloughlin

1 year ago

$100

Diane Manser

1 year ago

$100

Anthony Adamucci

1 year ago

$100

Sean DeLuca

1 year ago

$100

Family Hopkins

1 year ago

$40

Kim Kane

1 year ago

$20

Barb Lelli

1 year ago

$20

Chrissy Derbyshire

1 year ago

$20

Marcus Alexander

2 years ago

$100

Anonymous

2 years ago

$20

Rosalie Waerig

2 years ago

$20

James Lewis

2 years ago

$25

Anonymous

2 years ago

$100

Liz Cawley

2 years ago

$100

Lynda Carbone

2 years ago

$25

Joanne Williams

2 years ago

$20

Ronna Wallace

2 years ago

$40

Katerina and Demetri Tarasov

2 years ago

$20

Shawn and Dawn Poole

2 years ago

$40

Christina Mitchell

2 years ago

$40

Nichole and Kory Bentley

2 years ago

$20

Donna Warriner (Adrey)

2 years ago

$40

Crystal Hunter

2 years ago

$500

David Baker

2 years ago

$20

Michele Becknell

2 years ago

$100

cindi rosenberger

2 years ago

$500

Brian Samelson

2 years ago

$20

Kennedy Wallace

2 years ago

$20

Kennedy Wallace

2 years ago

$20

Amanda Dougherty

2 years ago

$20

Terry Morissette

2 years ago

$50

Patricia Clifford

2 years ago

$50

Jenna Conosciani

2 years ago

$20

Kay McBride

2 years ago

$20

Cynthia Foley

2 years ago

$20

Kay McBride

2 years ago

$100

Howard Kiedaisch

2 years ago

$60

Valini Nanan

2 years ago

$60

Camille Perretti-Fiato

2 years ago

$100

Carol Clift

2 years ago

$20

Elizabeth Daleandro

2 years ago

$20

Trissa Pipolo Weiser

2 years ago

$100

Maureen Weidle

2 years ago

$100

Michael Dittbrenner

2 years ago

$20

Dana Polanco

2 years ago

$20

Sharon Miller

2 years ago