Reggie, Protector of the Universe

Authored by Molly Pacheco & Reggie Grisby

Winner of the 2023 Allentown Film Festival Award: Best Human Connection Film

Nothing shakes the smiling heart….

In 2023, Molly Pacheco met Reggie, a man who had been homeless for three years. One morning, he approached her and shared how much her simple daily gesture of smiling and greeting him with a "good morning" meant to him. Despite facing significant hardships—being elderly, disabled, missing teeth, and living on the streets—Reggie explained that her kindness gave him the strength to keep going, especially as he often felt overlooked and ignored by others.

Moved by Reggie's story, Molly realized the importance of his message and decided to share it with the world. She collaborated with him to create Reggie, Protector of the Universe, a children's book that emphasizes the transformative power of kindness, joy, and the energy we share with others. The book conveys how small acts, like a smile, can uplift not only our own spirit but also the energy of our communities and the world at large.

Since the book's publication, the community has rallied together to help Reggie secure safe and affordable housing in Bethlehem, PA. The proceeds from the book are dedicated to supporting the unhoused population in the area, allowing Reggie's story to inspire both tangible change and a deeper sense of connection among people. Through this collaboration, Molly and Reggie have highlighted the profound impact of empathy and kindness on individuals and communities.

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“Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love”

-Mother Theresa