Jean Owens hugs Alpine Bank President Eric Eicher inside the bank on Main Avenue on Wednesday morning during a compassion flashmob that gathered to give out hugs and appreciation.
It was a flash mob with a twist – hugging instead of dancing.
Beth Brunso, a teacher at Park Elementary, was inspired to organize the event after attending a candlelight vigil for the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida. She had participated in flash mob dances previously, and this time she wanted to give away hugs in light of the national tension over violence.
“We tell people they are awesome, we appreciate them, give them love, and then we take off,” she said. She expects to hold a few more events, but the next location will be a surprise.
“I’m hoping it will catch on, and we get to do it more and on a bigger scale.”
