Welcome to Do It 4 Derek

We’re so glad you’re here with us on this site! Amazing things happen when people come together to spread joy and smiles to others. Here you can read about Derek’s legacy, see where in the world people are leaving messages/random acts for others in Derek’s name, find out what projects are underway or finishing up thanks to the generous donations to Derek’s Memorial Fund, and you can share your story of how you received or did an Act of Kindness 4 Derek.

Derek loved the world, and had a passion for his family, friends, school and sports. His favorite sports number was 4, just like his dad, which is why you see it everywhere.

Some important things led to this wonderful development, starting small and growing to the point we are at today.

Because of Derek’s loss, a friend who could not be at the funeral did something nice for a stranger, in Derek’s name, telling briefly about his life and death. The message was simple – A Random Act of Kindness in Memory of Derek Lendosky – and it spread like the wind. Now it’s here, for everyone to see. His message grows by the day, and his spirit touches everyone.

His family was held together by the support given to them by everyone in the community. T-shirts with Derek’s logo were created, and all the money was donated to Derek’s fund. Over 600 shirts were ordered. The city of Fennimore held a balloon launch in Derek’s honor on Aug. 6th, 2013, the night before his birthday. Over 600 balloons raced into the sky and everyone watched in awe as they floated over the city and up towards the heavens.

The family and friends were then honored and humbly blessed with a baseball game dedicated to Derek on August 9th, 2013 by Derek’s favorite baseball superstar José Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays. It made national news when Mr. Bautista hit a home run that night. He then graciously gave the family the hat he wore the night of the game, and accepted a T-shirt and bracelets with Derek’s message on it.

All we hope is that Derek’s legacy is carried forward – not for him, not for those who know him – but simply to make someone smile and feel good, because it works and it is contagious. Like Derek’s silly spirit, and constant smile, the “Acts Of Kindness 4 Derek” lets everyone have the opportunity to feel what he did in his life: joy, laughter, a kind heart, and the ability to think of someone else first. That’s what Derek did for us, and what we hope to continue to do to others. So join us, and help us spread a small boy’s message to the world.