Last week, Misty, who is a friend and fan of the House of Shine was sharing a table with me at Starbucks. I was working on my book and she was addressing promotional postcards for the Yellow Envelope Project. A gentlemen, also camped out and doing work at a table, approached Misty to ask what she was working on.

Misty aptly explained the Yellow Envelope Project was an outgrowth of the House of Shine and that it was an initiative focused on recognizing every day people who make their corner of the world a better place. Then she launched into the really fun part; that, weekly, readers from around the country will flood the winner's mailbox with anonymous letters of gratitude. In yellow envelopes, of course. The longer Misty talked, the bigger his eyes got. And when she finished he had only one question.

"What's the catch?"

He thought there was a catch; that in exchange for winning, the recipient had to do something or give something, or that, we were in some way making profit.

We smiled and reassured him that there was no catch. And then it occurred to me. One more reason why I LOVE the Yellow Envelope Project and everything it stands for.

There are no strings attached to winning the Yellow Envelope Project for the same reason there are no strings attached to the generosity shown by our weekly winners.  The nurses, teachers, kids, neighbors and countless other recipients we have featured all shine, because they give to their communities with no strings attached.

I think we do the same. Write letters to deserving people with no strings attached.

This week's recipient is a teacher who is not only relentlessly passionate about teaching, but who invests in his students long after the school day is over. Also, no strings attached.

"Marcus is the lead teacher at a very small school (15 students). He and two other teachers run this school with the help of Marcus' wife. The school is designed to be a safe place for kids who learn differently to go and learn in a safe and loving, but rigorous environment. My son has been through so many schools and programs. He's a kind, good-natured kid that has been neglected by public and private schools alike for his differences. Marcus took the time to get to know him and to ensure that he is successful with the perfect mixture of humor, tough love and guidance. He's always there for my son, often texting him back and forth over seemingly silly things (like last night's House episode) or really important things (like the death of a close relative) when school isn't in session. During school hours, Marcus stretches my son and the other student in ways I wasn't even sure were possible - debate, a foreign language, creative writing, math... I know that there are long hours and an intensity that goes into caring for not only my son, but 14 other children just like him."

Joining us in recognizing Marcus is easy. Write Marcus a short note and let him know you think he shines because of the time and energy and love he pours into students attending his school. Maybe even tell him about a teacher who influenced your life. It will be nice reassurance that the work he is doing today will be remembered well into his students' adulthood. Then seal your letter in a yellow envelope (or a white envelope decorated with yellow stickers and markers) and mail it to the address listed below.

It is tempting to include your return address, but then Marcus might feel compelled to write back and, remember, this is intended to be an act of kindness. No strings attached. Instead, use that space to print the words, "Yellow Envelope Project."

I hope you will join me. Shining off until Monday.