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 help someone in need or to complete a random act of kindness. My students took this challenge seriously and thoughtfully used their $20 to bring smiles to many faces. You can see their reflections on their experience here.

After completing my $20 Challenge with one class in the fall of 2018, I received a donation to challenge my new class of students in the spring of 2019. They are currently completing this $20 Challenge. In addition, I have received a donation to complete this challenge again in the fall of 2019. 

However, 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 could 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. :-)

 

For more information, please view our 6 ABC Action News segment or our MontCo Happenings article.

Back Up Plan

I will use whatever money I raise to run my $20 Challenge for as long as I can.

Fundraiser Updates (4)

$20 Kindness Challenge Update

November 19, 2025

Hello donors,

I know it’s been several years 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 

kristinaulmer@yahoo.com

August 6, 2019

Thank you to all of our investors! Because of your donations, 108 students will be able to participate in my $20 challenge, spreading kindness and helping others in need. I cannot fully express my gratitude for your generosity. This lesson will continue on because of you. 

Check us out in the Philadelphia Inquirer! So proud of my students!

June 12, 2019

Check us out in the Philadelphia Inquirer! So proud of my students!

How $20 helped a grieving sister, an unsuspecting waitress, and students with library fees

kristinaulmer@yahoo.com

June 12, 2019

Thank you so much for all the donations so far! My sister's legacy will be able to continue on through my students for another school year. 

Comments (8)

James Joslin June 23, 2019

Good project teacher. Keep up the good work.

Joan & Ray Ulmer June 17, 2019

Special thanks to Stacey Woodland for her support.

Sherry Kole June 13, 2019

Thank you, Sherry Kole, who understands how important this lesson is for today’s students and tomorrow’s future. So much love!

Joan & Ray Ulmer June 13, 2019

Thanks to Susan Baltake for this generous gift.

Joan & Ray Ulmer June 13, 2019

Thanks to Kate Zantar for this contribution.

Joan & Ray Ulmer June 13, 2019

Special thanks to Kellie Bowker for this donation.

Joan & Ray Ulmer June 13, 2019

Thanks to Raquel Levy for this contribution.

Brian Samelson May 26, 2019

Very inspirational!

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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 (29)

$500

Anonymous

6 years ago

$50

James Joslin

6 years ago

$10

Lori Gardner

6 years ago

$20

Bethany White

6 years ago

$40

Joanne Williams

6 years ago

$100

Joseph Amodei

6 years ago

$20

Joan & Ray Ulmer

6 years ago

$80

Anonymous

6 years ago

$20

Jackie ALLEN

6 years ago

$10

Heather A Whren

6 years ago

$10

Joan & Ray Ulmer

6 years ago

$20

Barbara Dundon

6 years ago

$30

Joan & Ray Ulmer

6 years ago

$25

Joan & Ray Ulmer

6 years ago

$25

Joan & Ray Ulmer

6 years ago

$10

Joan & Ray Ulmer

6 years ago

$20

Patti Offner

6 years ago

$50

DAVID Kornblatt

6 years ago

$20

Joan & Ray Ulmer

6 years ago

$60

Robert A Bowdoin

6 years ago

$80

Joan & Ray Ulmer

6 years ago

$20

Irv Levy

6 years ago

$20

Mary Scherf

6 years ago

$50

Anonymous

6 years ago

$500

Brian Samelson

6 years ago

$500

David bishop

6 years ago

$250

Thomas Hoegh

6 years ago

$25

Roberta Scott

6 years ago

$100

Joan & Ray Ulmer

6 years ago