NEW YORK, New York — In an inspiring display of creativity and compassion, 14-year-old Samuel Coggin clinched the top prize of $10,000 at the “Kindness Is Cool” awards ceremony on March 8.
Hosted by Gan Jing World in Times Square, Coggin’s entry was part of a global competition that showcased more than 10,000 acts of kindness. Based in New York, Gan Jing world is a growing digital platform created with the intent to promote wholesome and traditional content free from violent, pornographic, and harmful material.
The platform also aims to foster a family-friendly online environment that encourages positive social interactions and strengthens community bonds. Joining numerous participants from across the planet, Coggin contributed to a movement that celebrates kindness and compassion through digital media.
His project, which focused on the “Adaptive Training Foundation,” (an initiative spearheaded by former NFL player David Vobora), aimed at empowering amputees through fitness and community support.
MORE ON THIS: Celebrating Kindness: Meet the Winners of Gan Jing World’s ‘Kindness Is Cool Video Awards’
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Vobora’s work with veterans and first responders — where he provides free training and housing — is a powerful narrative of how kindness can transform lives. “As you do deal hope, as you do deal kindness…the energy that comes out, that attraction, actually brings back more into your life,” Vobora says in the video. His belief that “compassion is never convenient” and that overcoming a “victim mentality” is key to personal growth stood out among this year’s submissions.
‘We need to spread kindness’
Coggin’s commitment to amplifying voices and spreading stories of compassion also shined through as he shared with reporters what he plans to do with the prize money.
“I decided to enter this competition because I believe we need to spread more kindness throughout the world because there isn’t enough kindness already,” said Coggin, adding that he plans to establish a film company dedicated to sharing stories of the elderly.
“I’m launching a business called ‘Lexi Media’ and I’m going to buy new camera equipment like lightning and lenses to make interviews for elderly people,” he said as his family stood proudly beside him.
“He [also] decided to give a portion of the money back to support the athletes, and I’m just proud of him,” Coggin’s father told reporters.
‘A lost art’
During the ceremony, Leyanna Stevenson from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs also praised the young filmmaker, noting, “Kindness is almost like a lost art.”
“I think if we just have that in the forefront, and see an organization that is highlighting the kindness of other people and their work and their films, I think that makes a huge impact,” she added.
“The idea of Gan Jing World is to have a family-friendly, online social media platform,” said Nick Janicki, Media Director at Gan Jing World, as he emphasized the platform’s ethos. “Through events like ‘Kindness Is Cool’, we hope to inspire positive community engagement, mutual respect, care, kindness, and to foster tighter family and social bonds,” he added.
The success of the event is also underscored by the diversity of its participants and the universal message of goodwill shared by winners and participants alike. From leading film studios like New Century Films to talented students from Boston’s Star Academy for the Gifted and Talented, each contributor added a special touch to the vibrant tapestry of kindness.
Statements from students, such as “Suffering is an illness… and the medicine for it is kindness,” also highlight the deep understanding and reflection prompted by the event.
In an age dominated by digital media, the “Kindness Is Cool” video awards stand as a testament to the enduring power of spreading kindness and positivity. It also reminds us how simple acts of compassion can bridge divides, transform lives — and indeed — make kindness not just cool, but transformative.
- The Kindness Is Cool Creativity Award ($10,000):
- The Kindness Together Group Award ($5,000):
- The Kindness Appreciation Awards ($1,000 each):
- The Kindness Smiles Award ($500 each):