Bristol Palin
Have you heard this story? Tim’s Place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the “world’s friendliest restaurant” – serving breakfast, lunch, and hugs. You might have seen pictures of its owner, Tim Harris, giving hugs to Jordin Sparks, Stevie Wonder, and even Barack Obama.
Tim Harris is the only restaurant owner in the country who also has Down syndrome. He earned food service certificates from Eastern New Mexico University and trained in other restaurants, then finally opened Tim’s Place 4 years ago with help from his parents, Keith and Jeannie.
Tim has wanted to follow in his family’s footsteps for a long time. They’re entrepreneurs… so why shouldn’t he be?
This week, he was honored at a dinner for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities in Cleveland, Ohio. He told the crowd, “About 15 years I dreamed of owning my own business. Well, I am here to tell you that dreams come true.”
He also talked about his new nonprofit, Tim’s Big Heart Foundation. Its goal is “to help people with disabilities to start their own small businesses,” just like he did.
Last year, Tim’s birthday fell on National Hug Day, and it was too perfect a coincidence to pass up. He held a Hug-a-thon! He raised $6000 for firefighters doing random acts of kindness and hugged over a thousand people in three days!
What an inspiration. Disabilities don’t have to hold anyone back. And we all should give a few more hugs!
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