Editor, News-Register:

Tears in her eyes, the Crying Girl in “Mean Girls” once wished she could “bake a cake made out of rainbows and smiles and we’d all eat and be happy.”

While her classmates laughed, I have always admired the sincerity behind her words.

After more than a decade of participating in GISH, a global scavenger hunt that raised money for various charities through creative and quirky challenges, and now the Rogue Hunt, a similar event that supports nonprofit causes, I truly believe she was onto something.

Small, sincere acts of kindness and joy really can make the world feel a little brighter.

This past week, a group of my friends located all around the United States took on a series of creative challenges that filled our days with laughter, art and connection. Under the team name Goatzilla, we made things that could hang in a fancy New York City gallery, or at the very least, on the fridge.

Along the way, we roped in loved ones, made memories with our kids and found moments to be fully present. Whether we were trying new skills or carrying out small acts of kindness, each task became a chance to connect and spread a little joy.

Not everyone sees value in the little things. In the film “Heathers,” J.D. cynically claims, “The extreme always seems to make an impression.” And while that may be true for shock value, it misses something deeper.

Over the past several days, I’ve been reminded that quiet, everyday gestures often have the most lasting impact. A care kit for a neighbor in need. A silly photo that makes someone laugh. A handmade thank-you card. These are not extreme, but they’re memorable. They become part of our personal history, woven into the stories we carry with us.

Beyond the creative challenges, our team has also contributed to causes we care about.

We raised money for APOPO’s work with scent-detection animals (https://donorbox.org/let-s-spread-goodness-like-glitter-rogue-hunt-fundraiser-for-apopo/fundraiser/goatzilla), created support kits for people in need and sent messages of encouragement to organizations doing meaningful work. These small efforts might not make headlines, but they matter. They prove that imagination and compassion can go hand in hand, and that even short bursts of effort can leave a real mark.

One of the most meaningful reflections I’ve heard on the nature of legacy comes from “Barbie.” In a quiet moment near the end of the film, Ruth says, “Humans only have one ending. Ideas live forever.” That concept has stayed with me. The things we do during this one week may not last forever, but the spirit behind them will. Every silly idea, every moment of teamwork, every act of kindness becomes part of the energy we send out into the world.

And maybe, just maybe, that energy inspires someone else to do the same.

That’s what keeps me coming back to the hunt. It’s not about winning. It’s not about going viral. It’s about building something joyful with the people I care about. It’s about using creativity as a bridge to kindness and about remembering that fun and meaning are not mutually exclusive.

So, thank you to everyone who supported our team this year. Thank you for cheering us on, for joining in and for helping us spread some rainbows and smiles. It may not be a literal cake, but I like to think the Crying Girl would be proud.

Gail Porter

Cameron