On Monday April 27, Steve Stowe visited our Gulliver Middle School for an assembly on the Gulliver core values. Stowe is the Executive Director of the Miami Heat Charitable Fund. This is his 20th season working with the Heat and third year working as the vice president. Before the Heat, he worked in the marketing department for the Florida Panthers from 1996-98. With the NBA he focuses on fundraising, philanthropy, and community outreach.
Stowe was invited to Gulliver to talk about the new core values that were introduced at the beginning of the year. He connected the Heat with two of Gulliver’s values: Amplify the we and Choose Generosity. Stowe showed examples of these values within his presentation with Heat players going to support the less fortunate at homeless shelters to give out food and supplies. Stowe demonstrated that choosing kindness will make it back to you by giving out a very special gift.
“When I first saw Gavin getting the basketball, I felt really happy for him because I knew he deserved it and he didn’t get enough recognition when he was holding the door for everyone,” Camila Orrego (8) said.
Stowe did an experiment where the crowd of middle schoolers gave examples from all their fellow classmates and how they represent the two core values and how they spread their generosity. Two of these gifts would be given out, one to the sixth and eight grade assembly and one to the fifth and seventh grade assembly. The best example in the sixth and eighth grade assembly was named eighth grader Gavin Steckler for holding the door everyday for students all over the school. Whether it’s during snack, lunch, or any door around the campus, Steckler is always spreading his kindness, generosity, and care he shows for others. He is always a kind and positive student, helping others. After Stowe chose the best story he surprised Steckler with a basketball signed by the whole Miami Heat team.
“I was in shock, it was like a dream come true. How is that even possible, in what reality does someone win a basketball just for holding the door. I think it’s really crazy because it’s signed by all the Heat players. I just can’t believe it happened. Still so shocked I have no other words to say,” Steckler said.
When the gift was revealed the crowd went wild cheering, celebrating and enjoying the moment for Steckler. This reaction showed his true joy and how grateful he was for this gift. His actions not only show his kind personality but can influence others to do the same. Stowe demonstrated the power of kindness in the assembly when visiting Gulliver.
