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Atlanta based editorial photographer, Zack Arias. |
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Sat , August 15th, 2009
under News, Photo Resources
Needless to say it has been an interesting few days on the blog here thanks to everyone jumping in on the conversations. What an amazing community we get to be a part of!So, B. and I have been emailing back and forth and with tears shedding on both sides of the conversation, he mentioned he needed a “man tissue.” I said I knew what those were. “They’re made of sand paper right?” He ran with that idea and shot the image above last night. Good going B! Also… Good news! Derrick made his way to blog here and has been blown away. He and his family are so grateful for all of your kind words. The video was viewed over 5,000 times yesterday. Now that I have his contact information I have set up a donation fund for him so that we can all “buy some soap” from him. Derrick doesn’t have an email address so the thought of setting up an e-commerce store to actually sell the stuff isn’t really an option at this point so let’s show some love and support by virtually buying a bottle from him! Send a dollar. Send twenty. Whatever you want. I’ll make up the difference that PayPal takes so if you Give $20 he gets $20. He knocked on a door to sell a bottle so let’s make sure that door turned into the biggest sell he has ever made! I don’t think we have heard the last of Derrick because we are all really interested in hearing more about his story and this man has a way of speaking. My good friend and colleague, Ron Dawson, and I are talking about collaborating with Derrick on a project. We aren’t sure what that looks like but I’m sure it will be interesting! Thanks again everyone for being part of the conversation this week. It isn’t done yet. Cheers, 77 Responses to “Derrick’s Hope Soap Fund + B’s Photo Of The Day ::”Leave a Reply |
Donation SENT!
As meager amount as I can afford to donate I have to say that it felt really good to hit that button!
Thanks for setting this up, Zack. I hope he sells tons of “virtual soap”!
I’m just so happy that Derrick saw the blog post. It makes my heart flutter just thinking what a boost this must be to his self-esteem and hopefully, to his career.
Derrick, if you read this, just know that there are thousands of good people out there who will be touched by your wisdom and your honesty.
Oh and I have to say I love the pic! Can’t say I’ve ever seen “Man-Tissues”, but now that B has made a product for us I don’t have to be afraid to cry…lol.
I was more than happy to pay for this weeks lesson! Good Luck Derrick!
Milton
Thank you Zack. And thank you Derrick. I’m humbled, and feel privileged to be able to “buy some soap”.
All I have is my own mission fund, but I believe this is a mission of another sort I’d love to contribute to! Derrick, I wish you MANY MANY blessings! God sure is good, huh? LOL I do believe He is touching you and your life right now!
And on another note, I’ve used that soap and it really IS good! LOL
Thank you Zack for spearheading this. Derrick, B and Zack over these last few days you have made me see things in a different light. I’m not a writer so i have problems expressing how i feel words. But the inspiration, honestly and being “real” about ones self is simply amazing.
I wish all of you the best of luck.
Donation sent.
I’m sure Derrick feels like many of us who stumble upon you, Zack…very grateful for your time, effort, and generous spirit. Thanks for setting this up. I admit I kind of rolled my eyes a bit through the first few minutes of the video (sorry, jaded NY’er), but Derrick’s optimistic approach to such a hard way of life really won me over. I wish him well and I’ll be skipping my venti vanilla latte in his honor today!
God bless you Zack!
Through your hands we could received the help that many of us were needing and now, again through you he’ll be ‘paid’ for his efforts.
I pray for all Derricks out there get their part of this also.
By the way … does this brand of tissue paper that you and B. announced here make toilet paper also? Because some (if not ALL) of the politicians are deserving to try it to reach real tears.
> (this is your beard … hehehehe)
But it’s ask too much to your ‘power’ to fix the wrong things.
Thank you so much for this virtual-soap idea, Zack. It’s an honor to being a part of that wonderful community here on your blog!
)
(BTW: I’m thankful for being a girl, allowed to use soft tissues! I needed lots of them the last days, thanks to you, Zack and Derrick
Thank you for doing this. I’m gladly sending money and prayers. If you have the time someday, it’d be great to see an update on his progress.
Thx Zack, B, Derrick!
Just bought some soap.
//Stefan
happy to buy virtual soap; but if he ever gets the ecommerce going, I’d probably buy it there, too. from what I saw in your video, it looks like it works!
Oh, I was soo happy to see that you posted this! After seeing the original video all I could think about was wanting to buy some of Derricks soap.
Thank you for making it possible.
Thank you Derrick.
Perfect! Glad this got set up.
Donated
Looking forward to seeing where this all goes. All the best to everyone.
inspirational hard working people make me teary eyed. darn it. darn it Derrick.
You rock Derrick. Keep inspiring. Keep working hard. Keep on keeping me motivated.
can’t wait to see a collaborative project with Zack.
I actually “need” this product because i just spilled a whole cup of coffee all over white carpet. ha.
Off to paypal.
[...] There is now a paypal donate button for anyone wishing to buy some virtual soap from Derrick. Posted in ~ commercial ~, ~ cool stuff [...]
Thanks for setting this up Zack!
Good things happen to good people and there is a reason Derrick knocked on your door that afternoon…
Sending a little donation is absolutely the least I can do for the amount of inspiration and life-long wisdom Derrick has shared with us. I will definitely hold it close to my heart.
I don’t think he realizes how powerful his words truly are.
I am grateful for him, and for you for providing the outlet to share his wisdom with us.
Everything happens for a reason.
I threw a few dollars at ya.
Zack, not only was Derrick sent by God, but you sir were as well…to all of us. I see your business more as a ministry than a business. Keep up the good work and watch God bless you even more!!
All I can do is sit here, watching the curser blink in the comment box, I can’t figure out a way to express how this makes me feel.
As soon as I paid, I’m going to donate… and I’m excited about it.
Thank you everybody.
Zack,
I’m a lawyer. I generally don’t but into other’s affairs, but this is short and sweet. Talk to your accountant before you withdraw a penny from that account. You definitely DO NOT want to make a taxable (to you) transaction, especially if you find out after you’ve given the money to D.
Hi,
I’m not normally the type to donate to any form of charity, but after watching learning from Derrick’s point of view I thought it was a worthy cause.
But when do I get my soap? That stuff looked awesome…
- Matt
Done. And thank YOU for the opportunity to do something that made me feel good today.
Zack,
Thank you.
Two simple words that by themselves can’t begin to express how much of an impact your last few posts have made to me.
I’m lucky to be where I am and to have what I have however yesterday, like every so often, I lose sight of that. The world comes crashing down around me and I just want to escape it all somehow.
Derrick reminds me to keep driving forward. To remember the plan and keep striving for that dream…you remind me to (coin a popular phrase of a friend) Harden the F*** Up!
I too want to share a coffee with my missus at 10am for the rest of my days.
Thanks Zack.
Alex Gardner
donation sent, an hope derrick can soon afford his house an can achieve his goals, this must be o so surreal to him, what seemed to start as a normal day has become a life changing event, all because of zack, meg, an b,
now iv bought my soap, Zack, were can i buy a one light t-shirt/hoody/zip hoody so i can keep it sparkly clean.
Thanks for everything you do — was happy to make a donation.
Derrick is one of those rare people who would rather dig himself out using the tools available, rather than have something handed to him. To earn it. His enthusiasm is contagious and well worth the $20 price for the bottle. I gotta say that this helps me too because too often we judge (and mis-judge) people and miss out on the opportunity to learn. No matter who, everyone has something to teach, but not everyone is willing to learn.
From my friend Chad after viewing the video:
“Derrick is one of those rare people who would rather dig himself out using the tools available, rather than have something handed to him. To earn it. His enthusiasm is contagious and well worth the $20 price for the bottle. I gotta say that this helps me too because too often we judge (and mis-judge) people and miss out on the opportunity to learn. No matter who, everyone has something to teach, but not everyone is willing to learn.”
Nice photo B!! Glad to see some immediate results.
@Zack I have been very moved by this whole exchange. For what it’s worth, I am encouraged to add my bit to the story as well. It is on my wordprocesser as I write this comment now.
Little did he know he would touch a girls heart all the way around the world in little old New Zealand!
Donation sent
done. best virtual soap I ever bought – thank you!
From down here in New Zealand, thanks for the timely slap around the face – will now stop complaining and get doing.
This kind of message isn’t just about photography – my whole family will be seeing this video!
Several years ago I bought some soap from a door to door salesman who had the same infectious pitch, and I couldn’t help but notice the similar positive attitude between both of them. I don’t know if my experience involved an outreach program, but it doesn’t matter. I hope what I could give to Derrick helps.
These are the moments when my faith in God are strengthened. Thank you Zack for showing all of us that this is God’s love.
Thanks for being you Zack.
And thanks for you being you, Derrick.
Donated, with delight.
B’s stories and Derrick’s attitude have profoundly touched me.
It’s been thought-provoking, and a good kick-in-the-….
Derrick has my donation, but more: my support and my admiration. Don’t give up and we won’t.
“And we shall never fail”
Chalk me up for 90 houses!
I really like Derek. What else can you say, he’s really in my top 10 likable people I’ve never met. He’s just likable. How could he fail? He can’t! He’s got his system down and no matter how many houses he hits, as long as he’s positive he’s going to be successful. I’m so happy for him.
B, love the photograph, got a chuckle here!
Please tell Derrick that he should change professions and become a motivational speaker. I think that is his calling. I teared up almost instantly. I truly believe that there is a shortage of people who can go out there and speak to others and motivate them to get to their next positive step in their lives.
Derrick, you give me hope.
Thanks for setting this up Zack. Thanks Derrick..my purchase is in. Best wishes…
Totally worth $20. Thanks B, D and Z!
OK. Me too on the virtual soap.
I’ll take a bottle of soap and 2 boxes of man tissues.
Considering all the soap I’ve bought that I didn’t really need, from people I knew nothing about, I consider this soap a bargain!
Derrick, you’re awesome. Thanks for your words yesterday. My favorite part was when you talked about your small goals lining up with your big goals. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say it quite like that, and it really made me stop and think about if my short term and long term goals really do line up.
Anyway, I’m off to buy some soap! (From Thailand, no less! You’re an international sensation.)
Derrick, you are a good man. Thanks for inspiring me. You just sold me another bottle of soap.
Zach, God bless you for setting this up. I’m happy that I came across your blog one day and kept reading it.
B, hang in there buddy, it seems to be crowded on the dock. (yeah, I’m there too, guess it is time to jump…)
Great stuff going on ! May God bless you all !!!
Derrick, you’re a great guy and an inspiration.
Thanks for the soap.
Chris
p.s. Zack .. Is the video available as a download?
I can think of a few people I would like to get to view it over the next few weeks, starting with my teenage kids!
Never imagined I could be enthusiastic about buying soap. Thanks Derrick!
Now, I’ll try to live up to your example.
AMAZING !!!!!!!!!
I have chills, literally. Thank you both so very much for inspiring.
Just a few days ago, I was ready to give up my dreams, put my equipment up for sale and today I view the video…
Just wow.
Derrick, you remind me of my husband in so many ways. God has a purpose for you. and I beleive, you’re on the right path. Keep up that positive attitude, keep inspiring many of your words have touched me on more ways than one. Good luck!!
I’m in for $20.00. Derrick is an inspiration.
just been reading all the comments and watched the video with derrick. How nice and uplifting.
Everybody makes mistakes in their lives, but we don’t always learn from them.
Derrick obviously does not fall in that category, he has learned a lesson and has decided to turn his life around and make an impact. I just don’t know if he realises how much of an impact he has made with his sales pitch.
Regardless of what comes from this blog post, he will make it very far. I wish him all the best.
Donation made from the other side of the pond.
To me, this is what humanity should be about. I am so proud to be a part of something so wonderful for Derrick and his family!
I too have young kids and now the daily struggle of putting food on the table, but there is something amazing about the SPIRIT Derrick has!
Thank you Zack for being your wonderful self. God has his hand in all of this!
looks like he knocked on the right door. wow. love this! what spirit he has and what a blessing for you to give him your time and hear/share his message. prayers and donation coming his way…may his message help the next person.
God is awesome and never fails us. Look at how many people were touched by your prayer to help others. It’s astounding and so fun to witness first hand. I was hoping you would set up a donation for Derrick. Donations on the way. I was so grateful for what he was willing to share. It is worth any amount. I would love to buy the real stuff too when he is able to set up his e-commerce and knock on a few more doors. Thanks Zack. Please keep us posted.
Derrick you Rock! Never.. ever give up! God bless and best wishes. Please keep us to date with your success.
What luck, no wait…make that Divine intervention, that Derrick knocked on your door and you, being the amazing being you are, chose to truly make something of this. Derrick stated that he does not believe in coincidence….this was bigger than that. Thanks to you both for the great dose of inspiration! I remember about six years ago, guys in similar situations knocked on my door, and I bought soap then….and I am buying it now. Good luck to you, Derrick….though you truly will not need luck with the tremendous character you currently possess.
Zack and Derrick, I just want to thank you bout for the inspiration you are. I can’t stop watching the video and feel inspired to pursue my dream. I think this is the best “soap” I have ever bough!
And Derrick, your words reached Europe, more specifically Portugal, were I live.
Once more, thanks to bout of you!
life is so surprising sometimes…. i love seeing the love and community that you’ve created here, zack. i feel inspired and blessed and full of positivity. derrick and b, thank you for your courage and strength for pressing send and knocking on those doors. all of this interaction and support makes me feel more connected to life and more human. thank you all again. i bought some soap just now too!
Donation sent! I really was inspired by this video and I hope the small seed of money I plant with Derrick will help him to continue to plant seeds of inspiration in whatever he does!
AMAZING!! Absolutely AMAZING!! I’ve posted the link on my FB page as well!!! Thank you Zach, B, and Derrick for the reminder that everything takes time, patience, work, dedication, and belief. THANK YOU!!!
Worth every dollar spent!!!
Thanks to both of you.
[...] Source and Read More: zarias.com [...]
I’ve gladly bought my virtual soap. “Guaranteed to clense the soul and leave you feeling good about yourself all day long”!
I wish Derrick all the best and can’t wait to see the next installment. You soooooo have to film him again. How about a motivational guest blog Wednesday…?
Felt great donating yesterday. Yep, I’m back to re-read the last 3 days’ blogs again. Can’t wait until I’m home from vacation in Mammoth when I’ll get a good streaming on the video.
Thanks for continuing to be my inspiration Zach and thanks Derrick.
Donated. Thank you Zak, B., and Derrick. This has been a great day for me.
-Mike
[...] didn’t stop when Derrick left that day. He has been selling virtual soap for Derrick from his blog all week…I can’t wait to see how much soap he sold! It felt good to [...]
[...] Derricks virtual Soap [...]
I didn’t think twice and just clicked on “donate”. Good soap, Derrick!
Derrick, Zack – thank you. I feel so much more connected. I’ve sent everyone I know to your site to be part of this. Let’s keep this going…
Thanks for the soap!
MMMMM Soap.
Thank you Derrick and Zack.
Zack and Derrick. Thanks.
Thanks for being open and ready to share. Thanks for being real. And thanks for being willing to help others.
You guys make the world better
wow. i am beyond tired and when i saw this i almost skimmed it without pausing to read. but then i did start reading. except i didn’t want to spend the time to watch the video. but then i did watch the video and with tears streaming down my face i reached for a soft LADY tissue and made a donation.
god totally brought derrick to your door that day. no matter how many millions of houses he’s sold soap to, it was all to get to your door. i wholeheartedly believe that.
i can’t wait to hear the total number of donations that were made for his virtual soap!
god is good and the way He is using blogs these days just makes me so so happy! zack… you are amazing. thanks for sharing this.
Amazing story. Please ping us so we can stay in contact.
zach, you have an almost magical way of finding inspiration in the most unlikely places and your drive to share that inspiration with others is so deeply appreciated. i’m so happy to see that B jumped in and began to create and that derrick has an outlet to share his knowledge, his hopes and his dreams. best wishes to all of you.
“When life gives you lemons make lemonade.” This movie trailer has inspired me a lot even though I have never worked for an ad agency directly, but maybe it will inspire some of you as well.
http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/lydia-dishman/all-your-business/looking-beyond-pink-slips-lemonade-movie-offers-inspiration-pla
B – love the box of tissues. That’s some good stuff!
Derrick – May God rain his blessings down on you. Keep a humble heart, keep giving 100% and being a wonderful teacher to your son.
Zack – you are blessed to be chosen by God to be used in such a way as to bring inspiration to many.
Zack,
Inspiration is, indeed, all around us. Unfortunately, it is something that most of us are oblivious to. We get caught up in our mundane, everyday lives, and the inspiration passes us by, unrecognized.
Your talent is in finding meaning, inspiration, and value in life’s everyday experiences–and communicating that inspiration in an unparalleled manner.
This video, and the one that included your father, Ikea sticks, etc., elicited a visceral response in me. I was moved, and in awe of your ability to inspire people.
My intention with this comment is not to blow smoke up your ass, but to let you know that you have a certain genius and talent that touches other people. Call it divine inspiration, whatever…… You made a difference in my life, and I just wanted to let you know.
Thanks. Tim
Very inspired by both you and Derrick.
Thanks for showing that there’s still
some good in this scary world.
I’m very happy to be part of this.
I’ll be sure to send the link to everyone I know.
Thanks,
Andy