In 1997, an anonymous donor in New York initiated a wave of goodwill by leaving envelopes containing money in public places, with notes encouraging recipients to pay it forward. This spontaneous gesture sparked widespread acts of kindness and compassion, influencing people both in New York and across the United States. As stories of personal transformations and the ripple effects of altruism emerged, the movement heightened awareness about the importance of empathy, inspiring numerous others to join the chain of generosity.