Flashbulbs popped and flickered like shooting stars as an energetic crowd of onlookers lined a path for the hero whose presence had transformed an ordinary workday at Lazydays RV into something special. Some in the audience shouted affirming words of encouragement. A few reached out to shake hands and touch the person whose aura radiated a sense of wonder and belief as fiery as the hue of his spiked red hair. Most of the crowd simply clapped in unison as growing smiles overtook each face that caught a glimpse of the inspiration that marched before them. Everyone in attendance knew they were bearing witness to something remarkable.
Zach Bonner didn’t walk through the halls of the world’s largest single site RV dealership like someone interested in savoring the moment. He didn’t concern himself with how the army of cameras that documented his every move might convey his persona to the rest of the world. The 12-year-old confidently walked like a man driven with purpose. Grateful for the support. Modest at the showing of such attention. Determined to make a difference with his actions. Something important was indeed happening, but Zach Bonner knew it was just the first step of a long journey.
The next 13 million steps Zach Bonner takes will make a difference in the world. The young visionary and founder of the Little Red Wagon not-for-profit foundation will walk 2,478 miles from Lazydays RV in Tampa, Fla., to Los Angeles, Calif., to raise awareness and money for the more than three million homeless children currently living in the U.S. The cross-country “March Across America” will take place over the next 180 days with Zach averaging 13-15 miles “rain or shine” each day.
The crowds are likely to get even bigger for Zach as tales of his odyssey make their way through the Internet’s blogoshpere. And, the TV news channel’s insatiable appetite for feel-good, human stories are sure to salivate at the sight of the “March Across America.” Yet, the focus remains unchanged for the young dreamer who started his philanthropic quest five years ago by collecting supplies for hurricane victims in his little red wagon. “It’s all about the kids,” claims Zach with the poise of a leader who understands the difficulty in walking a path beset on all sides with the unmet needs of those less fortunate. “They didn’t choose to be homeless, why should I have the choice to walk for them or not?”
A young man is going west, and with each step he takes... the world is changing.
Follow Zach’s “March Across America” on twitter: www.twitter.com/zach_bonner
Facts About Zach Bonner
Age: 12
School: K12 online school
Shoes of choice: Reebok
Number of pairs he’ll likely wear out during walk: 8
Favorite thing to do when not walking: Sleep
Preferred lodging while on the road: Class A motorhome
Favorite music: Elton John
Favorite person to help him in quest for changing the world: Mom
Likes: RVs with satellite TV
Dislikes: People who drive while talking on the cell phone.