If Kirkland residents suddenly notice camaraderie in the air or kindness rocks scattered throughout the city on Tuesday, it’s not a coincidence.

Last year, Kirkland Mayor Joan McBride proclaimed Aug. 28 as “Be Kind to Everyone” day to honor Sasia Regan-Hughes, a Lake Washington High School graduate, who suddenly passed away on June 17, 2011 from an enlarged heart. Her mother, Alesia Regan-Hughes describes her death as ironic and symbolic.

“After we went back (to New York) for the memorial service, everybody that we met, who knew her, commented on how kind she was,” said Regan-Hughes, “how she was a breath of fresh air and how she went out of her way to be kind to people.”

Sasia was living in New York and working for MediaCom in advertising.

Her mother explained that when she visited her daughter’s work space, she had two important words above her desk: “Ahimsa,” which means kindness and to refrain from harm of all living things and the word “duende,” which means the power to attract through personal magnetism and charm.

Regan-Hughes describes feeling “floored” by her daughter’s kindness.

But it was this personality trait, which was so special and prominent, that prompted her friends and family to push for Kirkland’s first “Kind” day. Now, in its second year, Sasia’s family plans to pass out kindness cards, painted rocks and positive affirmations to people around Marina Park on Sunday.

According to the event’s Facebook page, roughly 1,700 plan on participating.

Regan-Hughes said empty containers will be strategically placed at the park so that people can donate clothing, blankets and such to local charities such as Hopelink.

As for Tuesday, Regan-Hughes plans to celebrate Sasia’s birthday as well as make a few personal donations to charity.

While McBride admitted she doesn’t normally do proclamations in perpetuity, she believes this message is strong. She said that her favorite part of the declaration is that it invites the Kirkland community “to be kind to others through words, actions, deeds, and thoughts; not just on this day, but every day.”

“Our world is not as thoughtful and kind as it needs to be,” said McBride in justifying her proclamation.

McBride said she will honor “Be Kind to Everyone” day by smiling at every new person she meets.

For more information “Be Kind to Everyone” Day, please contact Alesia Regan-Hughes at 425-442-0785 or visit the Be Kind to Everyone Day Facebook page.