PORTLAND, Maine — For decades, it was a mystery who was placing red hearts all over the city of Portland, each Feb. 14, but since uncovering the mystery after the beloved red heart bandit’s passing, his family is asking the public to keep his legacy alive.
Last year Kevin Fahrman passed away unexpectedly, the one and only Valentine's Day Bandit, and only then did his friends and family decide to reveal their well-kept secret.
Fahrman spread joy across Portland each year, posting red hearts on windows, doors, buildings, and even Fort Gorgeous in Casco Bay — which can only be accessed by boat.
On Jan. 25, the Fahrman Foundation announced they would keep Fahrman's legacy alive with a website, where anyone and everyone can download his artwork and post it wherever they wished, "every year on Feb. 14."
"The beauty of my Dad’s gesture was its simplicity and sincerity,” Fahrman’s daughter Sierra, said in a statement. “It wasn’t for recognition, it was completely selfless, and that’s what made it feel so magical."
"My family has heard from many people, sharing how the bandit touched them, and expressing their desire to help. While we assume Portland is probably covered, we decided to simply give the gift of my Dad’s heart, so people can be bandits in their own communities," Sierra added.
She said there is no obligation to carry on the bandit legacy but asked that if you do choose to "Be a Kevin," you do it with the same selflessness and intent her father had.
“To make it a formal or public thing is the opposite of the sentiment my Dad carried through his service to the community. He cared deeply for his community, but never desired recognition for his hard work,” Sierra said. “His secret tradition was a completely anonymous kindness, a heartwarming surprise that magically appeared every February fourteenth."
To download Kevin's artwork and continue his legacy of love, click here.
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