I’ll make this short and sweet.

Y’all know I’m a single mom. Oh, and I lost my job a year ago because of layoffs. Times are tough. Child support is spotty.

My 12 yo wanted to play basketball but we didn’t have the money to go.  She decided to make a cute video and ask for sponsors to help her raise the money needed. She did a great job and in less than 24 hours, she raised the money thanks to friends and family on Twitter and Facebook. She even had $30 extra after all was said and done. She immediately donated it to a pal who also was trying to earn money for the same basketball camp.

Today she had evaluations for the teams. I watched as she ran some laps back and forth and was slipping in her sneakers. I felt bad and realized she needed new shoes, preferably basketball shoes. I thought of taking her to Dick’s Sporting Goods because it was on the way home but also realized that shoes would likely be expensive there.

So we just headed on home for dinner and I was checking my Twitter when I got a tweet from KloutPerks. It said I’d earned a $50 gift card to check out a link. I was skeptical but it looked legit so I put aside my suspicious nature and went ahead and filled out the info. Then I tweeted them back asking “Is this for real!?!? Not spam!?” (not those exact words but you get the point! :)

Sure enough, a pal on twitter AND KloutPerks both tweeted me back. TOTALLY legit.

I’m rather stunned. I was expecting a “just kidding” response or a website that said I had to sign up for some services or sell my first born, but no, nothing but a simple name/address and that was it.

Yep, times are tough but little things like this come along still and add a bright spot in your day. Not only was my daughter blessed and fortunate enough to raise money for basketball – and help a friend too – but now we may be able to get a decent pair of shoes for her to wear to basketball.

I’m really thankful and happy. What a neat little surprise.

So, if you like social media and think you have some influence in the twitterverse, facebookverse etc, check out Klout. Follow them AND KloutPerks. I bet you will find a bright spot in your day, too.

:)

PS Thanks Klout AND Dick’s Sporting Goods for the treat. :)