And on most occasions, you haven’t just spotted him amongst a crowd of people. You’ve physically lifted him into the air and helped him crowd-surf his way around the venue. 

Let us (re)introduce you to one of our longest-standing Chive Nation members, Rollin’ Rick.

Back in the day, Rick lived in Las Vegas where he met two of his good friends, Trey and Michael, who were both Chivers. They went to a Chive on Chicago event around 2011/2012 and told Rick, “You’re coming to this no matter what.”

“The rest is history,” Rick told us with a laugh.

Since then, Rick has been a prominent feature at most major events and get-togethers with theCHIVE and Chive Charities, and he’s become a beloved figure in our community. His love for life and unwavering spirit have inspired countless people. Despite the challenges he faces, Richard never lets anything hold him back. He's known for his adventurous spirit, always ready to dive into the next big thing, and his stories of crowd-surfing in his wheelchair are legendary. 

He’s also more active than most people we know, playing wheelchair softball and rugby, and also participating in hand cycling.

Beyond his dynamic presence at events, Richard has also been a dedicated advocate for accessibility in Chicago. His work in pushing for better access, especially during harsh winter months, has made a significant impact on the community. His tireless efforts have been highlighted in articles like this one from the Illinois Answers Project, showcasing his commitment to making life better for everyone around him.

“The City of Chicago wasn’t plowing or clearing the sidewalks enough during winter months,” he explained. “So I had the alderman ride in a wheelchair to see what it was like.”

Credit: Casey Toner, Illinois Answers Project

But even heroes and independent rockstars need a little help sometimes. When Richard moved into a new condo, he found that the existing bathtub was difficult for him to get in and out of. Recognizing the need for a more accessible living space, Richard turned to the Chicago Chivers for advice on whether he might be able to get some help from Chive Charities. He also spoke with his mom, Pamela, who raised him as a single parent. She was hesitant at the beginning, but he told her, "You have to let me do this on my own." With the help of Pamela and her husband Henry, Richard crafted his application to Chive Charities, and we were thrilled to approve it.

"I'm just grateful for theCHIVE and my mom, who since I was a kid, told me that my arms and legs were not broken and that I could do things on my own and find my own way forward,” he said. “She’s a big reason why I’m independent and determined to figure things out myself.”

Thanks to the incredible support from our donors, and with the help of his mom and Henry, we were able to provide a grant of $15,475 to help Richard redo the shower, add stabilization bars and a bench, and widen the doorway to accommodate his wheelchair. This renovation has made a world of difference in Richard's daily life, giving him greater independence and comfort in his home. It's a testament to the power of our community and the incredible impact we can have when we come together to support one of our own.

We owe a massive thank you to our donors and the entire Chive Charities community. Your generosity and dedication make stories like Richard's possible. You've not only helped improve his quality of life but also reinforced the strong, supportive network that theCHIVE is known for. Richard's story is a poignant example of how our community rallies around those in need, especially those who have been part of our mission to make the world 10% happier.

When you think of someone who embodies the spirit of theCHIVE, Richard Guardino is a name that immediately comes to mind. For over a decade, Richard has been an integral part of our community, spreading joy and positivity wherever he goes.

Rick is more than just a member of theCHIVE community; he's a beacon of positivity, a champion for accessibility, and a testament to the incredible impact we can have when we support each other. His journey over the past decade is a reminder of the power of independence, generosity, and community spirit.

Thank you, Richard, for being such an inspiring part of our community. And thank you to everyone who has supported Chive Charities. Together, we continue to make a difference, one story at a time. As always, KCCO! 

If you’re not part of this community yet, we invite you to be. To help us impact the lives of more recipients, you can become a one-time or monthly donor at any point. Then, just sit back and watch the life-changing magic happen. DONATE HERE.