After donut heist, Durham ALS patient wants BIGG ideas

After handing out 1,000 donuts, Durham ALS patient Chris Rosati started a non-profit to help execute grand ideas to benefit the greater good.

Posted 11:16 p.m. Feb 3, 2014 — Updated 10:22 a.m. Feb 4, 2014

DURHAM, N.C. — Long before Chris Rosati became a hero for handing out donuts at schools, childrens hospitals and cancer wards, the 42-year-old Durham man had an idea.

He dreamed of hijacking a Krispy Kreme truck after being diagnosed with ALS, known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

He originally shared the idea with students during a speech at Durham Academy.

The message of his talk was love, live, try.

“Here I was telling them about the Krispy Kreme idea and I wasn’t trying to make it happen,” he said.

It took two e-mails from students who heard his speech to inspire Rosati to execute his idea.

“Thank you for teaching me some of the most valuable life lessons I’ve ever heard,” one e-mail read.

Now Rosati wants others to feel the way he did when he gave away 1,000 donuts in Durham a few months ago. He has since started a non-profit – Inspire Media Network – and created the BIGG (Big Ideas for the Greater Good) challenge.

Rosati is reaching out to Triangle schools for grand ideas to benefit the greater good. His non-profit will pick the 10 best and help make them a reality.

“Part of this is selfish, I like to feel good and I don’t have anymore Krispy Kreme ideas,” he said. “I want bold, creative, wow!”

Rosati couldn’t think of a better way to spend his final days. He has about a year or two left to live.

“What could I possibly be doing that would be a better way to live,” he said.

Suggest A Correction