When a small boy’s gift yields an unexpected prize

One of the most heartwarming news stories to emerge in 2024 detailed the preciously priceless interaction of a nine-year-old Baton Rouge boy and an entrepreneur whom he had mistaken for a homeless person.

When Kelvin Ellis, Jr. saw a disheveled man standing outside a cafe, his instincts of helping those less fortunate kicked in high gear.  Unhesitatingly, the youth presented 42-year-old Matt Busbice with a dollar bill which was the only money he had. Ellis, of course, was unaware that the praying man he approached is the cofounder of a Busbice family startup, Wildgame Innovations.

Instead of ignoring the gesture as ordinary millionaires might have done, the Louisiana State University graduate was true to his southern roots, engaging the youngster in conversation. Touched by the experience, the hunting aficionado remarked, “I haven’t had that much faith in humanity in a very long time.” The pair have since forged a beautiful relationship.

One act of selflessness flung the doors open to a new world for the elementary school student. For his generous gift of $1.00, the boy and Busbice enjoyed a meal together followed by a 40-second shopping spree at Busbice’s BuckFeather store. Had this kid not been conscious of the UU core value, “the inherent worth and dignity of every person,” plus the joy that emanates from helping others, the connection might not have occurred. Hardly happenstance, this was fate.

Shari Wright, UU Education Coordinator