A Legacy of Love: How Best Day Ever Foundation Brings Joy and Gives Hope, Paying it Forward

Austin, Texas – /LaGuardia Media and Public Relations/ – With nearly 50 “experiences” completed since launching last year, and experiences happening regularly in three states (Texas, Oregon and California), Best Day Ever Foundation has already begun making its mark; helping to change outlooks, and lives.

Best Day Ever Foundation provides one-of-a-kind experiences for those going through some form of hardship. People nominate friends, neighbors, or family members who are going through a hard season, whether that’s illness, loss or some other life challenge. The organization would then secretly plan a surprise “Best Day Ever” around what would mean the most to them. That could be anything from taking kids to ride in a Lamborghini, to pampering a mom who never gets a break, to giving a family an unforgettable sports outing.

“It’s not about extravagance, it’s about thoughtfulness, love, and creating a moment they’ll never forget. Every Best Day Ever experience is about pouring love into someone’s life, bringing joy in the middle of hardship, and giving them hope that brighter days are ahead”, explains Matt Worthington, the founder of Best Day Ever Foundation.

Mr. Worthington is no stranger to the impact that a small gesture, or a kind word of encouragement at the right time can have in altering one’s dire perceptions. In fact, it is out of his own experience that the inspiration to create Best Day Ever Foundation arose.

“The inspiration really comes from two places”, Matt reveals. “First, it’s about paying it forward. When my dad was terminal, and even after he passed away, so many families and people in the community stepped in to help my family. Not financially, but in the simple, meaningful ways that matter most. They dropped off meals, cards, flowers, and just showed up to be there for us. That love left a huge impression on me, and I knew I wanted to create something that could give that same kind of care to others.” He continues, “The second part of the story is my grandfather. When he passed away, we found a notebook filled with names and phone numbers. We learned those were all people he had helped through Alcoholics Anonymous and the halfway homes he ran. Realizing how many lives he quietly lifted up was inspiring. The Best Day Ever Foundation is my way of carrying forward both of their legacies.”

Anyone who has ever spent any length of time with Matt Worthington knows that he is a true believer in the need for the proliferation of love, joy and hope. He is a focused, yet engaging, witty and almost whimsical young man, in a sense that his charm and optimism toward the future is, at the risk of sounding cliche, refreshing. There is no doubt that his motives are pure and he sincerely only wants to help others. This is a sentiment shared by the many people who are assisting Matt in his mission. Worthington has created a network of individuals who bring their various skill sets to bear for one common cause. A range of ages, races, and specialties, the Best Day Ever Foundation team has been likened by some to superheroes, calling them the “Avengers of Charity”. When asked what he thinks the organization’s greatest strength is, Worthington replied, “Our community. The people who watch our videos, nominate, and volunteer. They’re the heartbeat of this movement.”

Q&A with Matt Worthington

Do you have a favorite success story?

One that really stands out is Joshua, a father of six who went through a devastating season. Within just a few months, he lost his father and his job, and it sent him into a deep depression. We stepped in to create a Best Day Ever experience for him — a chance to remind him of his worth, his strength, and the love surrounding him. That moment of hope helped him get back on his feet, and through our network, we were even able to connect him with a new job. Today, Joshua is back to being the leader of his family that he’s always been, and seeing that transformation has been one of our proudest moments.

What do you feel is the organization’s greatest challenge? What do you feel is the organization’s greatest strength? What do you feel is the organization’s greatest success?

• Greatest challenge: Scaling fast enough to meet the need. There are so many deserving people, and we want to reach them all.
• Greatest strength: Our community. The people who watch our videos, nominate, and volunteer — they’re the heartbeat of this movement.
• Greatest success: Seeing lives change. Watching someone’s face light up after so much pain, and hearing later how that day gave them hope — that’s success to us.

How can corporations, small businesses and people who, just simply care, support your organization’s mission?

There are three main ways:
• Corporate partners can sponsor experiences or our big fundraising event at the end of the year, the Best Day Ever Foundation Gala.
• Small businesses can donate services, meals, or items that make our surprises extra special.
• Individuals can donate, volunteer, or simply nominate someone they know who’s going through a tough time. Every bit of support makes more Best Days Ever possible.

What can I do if I want to give someone the “Best Day Ever”? How can that be arranged?

It’s simple — just go to our website or social media and fill out a nomination form. Tell us about the person, what they’re going through, and what makes them special. From there, our team secretly plans the surprise and brings it to life.

What is the best way to get in touch with you, and/or view one of the experiences?

You can visit us online at www.bestdayever.info or follow us on Instagram at @bestday.tv. That’s where we share our stories, videos, and upcoming events. It’s also the easiest way to nominate, donate, or reach out if you’d like to get involved.

— Daryl K. Jones