Gov. Tom Wolf lauded Pennsylvanians for their acts of kindness the day after “1-4-3 Day” in honor of Fred Rogers.
The day was held in honor of Rogers, who used the numbers 1-4-3 to represent the letters in the words “I love you.” May 23 is also the 143rd day of the year.
“I issued a challenge to Pennsylvanians to rise up and show kindness today, and I am very happy with the results,” Gov. Wolf said in a statement Friday. “We showed what Pennsylvania is all about – kindness, generosity and neighborliness.”
Today, @GovernorTomWolf commended Pennsylvanians for their participation in acts of kindness on “1-4-3 Day” yesterday in honor of Fred Rogers. #143DayinPA https://t.co/SbZU35KdYn
— The Press Office (@GovernorsOffice) May 24, 2019
A“Kindness Tracker” on the state’s website tallied more than 16,000 good deeds.
The number tracked Pennsylvanians tweeting out acts of kindness using #143DayinPA.
Good deeds done by Pennsylvanians ranged from giving compliments and buying coffee to collecting non-perishables for a local food bank and donating platelets.
Here’s a sample of some of the good deeds:
- First Lady Frances Wolf read “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” an illustrated collection of Fred Rogers’ poetry and song lyrics, to students at Alexander Goode Elementary School, York.
- The City of Pittsburgh placed “No Hate Any Time” and “Kindness Zone” signs throughout the city.
- Department of Education Secretary Pedro Rivera served lunch to children at Greater Latrobe School District, Fred Rogers’ alma mater.
Eat’n Park celebrated 1-4-3 Day by paying for parking for visitors of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville.
We’re celebrating #143DayinPA at @ChildrensPgh, where we’re paying for parking for the families at the hospital! From offering a kind word to holding open a door, it's easy to be part of this special day! Will you join us? ? pic.twitter.com/oUdghaYirB
— Eat'n Park (@EatnPark) May 23, 2019
- Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine visited children at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, Danville.
- Department of Human Services secretary Teresa Miller prepared meals at the Central PA Food Bank
- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn read books to children at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh.
- The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh gave away free tickets to Pittsburgh Public Theater’s production of “Marjorie Prime.”
- The Department of Aging celebrated 1-4-3 Day with grandparents and schoolchildren in York County.
- The Pittsburgh Symphony gave away tickets to its performances.
- Re-entrants from the Wernersville Community Corrections Center prepared Adamstown Borough’s community pool for its opening day.
- The Department of Community and Economic Development volunteered at the Bethesda Mission and made a donation to the Central PA Food Bank.
- Activities for 1-4-3 Day spread beyond Pennsylvania’s borders. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services sent a letter to The Roanoke Times thanking farmers. The state of New Jersey tweeted a thank you to Pennsylvania thanking it for being a good neighbor.
