Since launching this grassroots effort to “save” Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, I’ve come in contact with many special people whose lives were changed by Fred Rogers in one way or another. One of the most special (and all around coolest) is Benjamin Wagner.

Ben is a young, successful media executive who has absolutely no business being as kind-hearted as he is… Maybe it’s because he was pulled into the orbit of Fred Rogers at an early age. You see, Mister Rogers was Ben’s literal neighbor — his family’s summer home is near that of the Rogers. And during one fateful conversation on Ben’s 30th birthday, his life was changed. Fred Rogers’ assertion that things “deep and simple” are so much more valuable than those that are “shallow and complex” struck a chord. Ben set out on a search for the meaning in Fred’s words, and he’s documented this journey in a very special film called “Mister Rogers & Me.”

Now, Ben’s asking for a little help from his “friends” to raise funds needed to finish the project. You can find out more about the documentary, watch the trailer, and contribute — even a mere $5 donation will help — at the “Mister Rogers & Me” page on crowdfunding site Kickstarter.com. There are some nifty incentives for contributing, and we hope you’ll consider dropping an Abe (or more!) Ben’s way.

- Brian