Debbie Padnuk is Positively Powerful

Debbie Padnuk is one of those people you enjoy being around. She’s upbeat, positive, and always willing to help. A certified yoga therapist, Padnuk thrives on teaching the meditative style of movement and breathing that promotes physical and mental wellness. She’s a shining example of the benefits, and it carries over to those she comes into contact with.

A little over two years ago, Padnuk became concerned about anti-Semitic/hate literature that began appearing in the community. She wanted to do something about it but didn’t know what or how. She soon found out she wasn’t alone.

She explains, “Rabbi Michael Birnholz sent out a message about a meeting he was having at Temple Beth Shalom to discuss some of the things that had been going on. Those of us that were there, including Pam O’Donnell from Sunrise Rotary and Carol Ludwig from the Center for Spiritual Care, wanted to have an official community response saying that hate was not acceptable. We felt it was important to acknowledge the hate but put an emphasis on kindness and sunshine. We worked hard developing the framework.”

That hard work resulted in Vero BEach KIND, a campaign supported by Indian River County concerned citizens, faith groups, and community organizations. There are no dues, no sign-up sheets, no committee reports; the only requirement is to “Spread Sunshine, Not Hate.”

Padnuk, who initially planned to play a behind-the-scenes role, was so motivated by the people and the ideas that were exchanged, she stepped forward. “They needed someone to connect the dots, create a website. I had done one for my yoga business and thought, ‘I can do this,’” she says.

When more dots needed to be connected, Padnuk designed a brochure. On the cover, under the image of a bright yellow sunburst are these words: “Together We Are Strong … by standing united in support for kindness in our community, speaking up against hate, listening and learning from each other.”

It wasn’t long before Vero BEach KIND T-shirts, stickers, and decals began to appear. Padnuk has one of the decals on her car and admits it makes her think twice. “If someone cuts me off, I don’t always have kind thoughts. It’s a good reminder.”

It’s a good reminder to everyone, as members of the Vero Beach City Council recognized when they proclaimed October 8, 2024 to be Vero BEach KIND day, less than 48 hours before Hurricane Milton was due to arrive.

“I was surprised so many people showed up; there were 29 of us in city chambers, including Mayor Cotugno, who was wearing one of our T-shirts,” Padnuk smiles.

It’s been proved that kindness can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to be kind as well. It can have a profound impact on both the giver and the receiver, as Padnuk well knows.

“I feel so grateful to be doing what I’m doing,” she says. “At the end of the day, Vero BEach KIND has given me an extra sense of purpose. Kindness just seems to be so needed right now. It’s not rocket science, and it makes a real difference.”

Sounds like the perfect New Year’s resolution.