From CCU to the Car Wash: A Simple Act of Kindness That Turned Into a #CCMFBeKind Moment
By Chasity Todd, Carolina Country Music Fest Representative
Some moments stop you in your tracks — not because they’re loud or planned, but because they’re real.
This one happened on a normal day in Conway, just across from Coastal Carolina University at the Mako Car Wash on Highway 544. No stage or spotlight, just three college girls, a Jeep, and a moment that said everything about the kind of world we all hope to live in.
Addison Levitz, a biology major.
Gianna Daleo, studying special education.
Elizabeth “Liz” Fusco, an elementary education major.
They were out there doing something simple — washing Liz’s Jeep. Laughing, probably talking about classes, summer plans, life. Just a normal day.
Until it wasn’t.
A few bays over, they noticed an older man. He was struggling — not just to clean his truck, but to move. Two canes with slow steps.. it was the kind of effort most people might glance at and move on from.
He was visiting from Pennsylvania, a veteran, a man who had lost his wife. Without hesitation, those girls showed what kindness looks like when it’s not for show. They walked over and got to work.
Not a quick rinse or a half effort detail…they cleaned his truck top to bottom. Every panel, tire, and floor mat… they took their time, never looking around to see who was watching. They simply saw someone who needed help… and helped.
That’s it, that’s the story.
He offered to pay them, but they refused.
I happened to be there that day, watching from a distance — not as a “CCMF representative” in that moment, but just as a bystander vacuuming crumbs out of my car from my toddlers. But what I saw… it stuck with me.
When they finished, I walked up and spoke with the man. He was incredibly thankful. He told me that not only was he heading home with a clean truck, but he got to enjoy the company of three beautiful young ladies — and that it was a moment he would never forget. The only sad part, he said, was that he had to head home.
Then I asked the girls what made them do it.
Their answer?
They saw him struggling… and just wanted to help…No big speech or reason beyond that.
I asked if they’d be around this summer. And when I invited them out to Carolina Country Music Fest, their reaction said everything — Pure excitement! None of them had ever been, and they’d always wanted to go.
And then — almost immediately — they started saying I didn’t have to do that. That they weren’t looking for anything. That they just wanted to do the right thing.
That’s when it hit even more.
That’s exactly what #CCMFBeKind is all about.
It’s not about recognition. It’s not about rewards. It’s about moments like this — when people choose kindness without expecting a thing in return. When they step in quietly and make someone else’s day a little lighter.
But when we do see it… We want to say thank you.
Because the truth is, you never know who’s watching. And more importantly, you never know how far one act of kindness can go.
Those three girls reminded me of that.
So this summer, Addison, Gianna, and Liz — we can’t wait to have you out at CCMF. Not just as fans, but as a reminder of what this festival stands for beyond the music.
Keep being kind.
The world needs more of it.
