Aldi matches $10,000 ‘act of kindness’ donation to Piedmont foundation
One good deed … can sometimes lead to another.
Right before Christmas, Tracy Warshal, a scheduling coordinator at the Piedmont Cancer Institute, paid for the groceries of an older man who had accidentally left his wallet at home. She probably spent about $7 at the Smyrna Aldi.
The man, who wants to remain anonymous, tracked down where Warshal worked and this year donated $10,000 in her name to the Piedmont Healthcare Foundation.
Warshal, at the time, downplayed her generosity.
“It really wasn’t a big deal,” she said. “He forgot something. I was able to help him and I did.”
Well, it seems the blessings from that random act of kindness keep coming.
The Aldi Jefferson Division recently matched the $10,000 donation to the foundation.
The money from both donations will benefit the Dana G. Smith Cancer Assistance Endowment, which provides financial assistance to cancer patients.
In addition, Aldi Jefferson Division gave Warshal a fruit basket and $525 worth of gift certificates, intended to cover the cost of a year’s supply of fresh produce.
“I’m so appreciative of everything,” Warshal said. “I never expected to hear about the first donation and now, to learn Aldi has made another $10,000 donation in my honor to help cancer patients at Piedmont is overwhelming. I can’t thank them enough for their generosity. My hope is that the people who see this story will realize that one person really can make a difference — no matter how small the gesture — and will continue to pay it forward.”
About the Author
Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.
