Richard's collection of poetry and prose is gut-wrenching and hopeful. The book reviews a devestating personal history of abuse by his body, of his body, of his trust, and by his own depression. Instead of hardening himself against an unimginable set of circumstances, Richard's compassion for others blossoms into callings in service vocations, ministry and public service through his Tenderness Tour.

This is not a comfortable read, and it is not appropriate for children or young teens due to Richard's accomplishment of blunt honesty and self-revelation. It challenges several generally accepted tenets of reactions to sexual abuse, disability and mental health care, but Richard has earned the right to express these counter arguments.

This is not the story of a survivor. Richard is a thriver. - Renee Vrtiska, Amazon Review

After an August 4th, 2017 live recording of his one-man show "Straight Outta Cowan," Indy-based stand-up comic Rick Garrett has dedicated 100% of the profits from his just released DVD of the show to benefit the Tenderness Tour's efforts to establish the Indiana Children's Labyrinth in Indianapolis. 

A packed house watched Garrett on August 4th as he performed live at Khaos Company Theatre where he also donated 100% of the show's profits to kick off the labyrinth's fundraising efforts. 

Rick’s brand of comedy has entertained churches, the USO, comedy clubs, pubs, private events, and much more. Rick has an easygoing, down home demeanor that makes everyone in the audience believe he is talking personally to them.  In fact, he is.  He takes great pride in personally connecting with an audience before, during and after the show. With a diverse background that includes being in the Ministry, a firefighter/paramedic, tour bus driver, and touring musician,Garrett’s comedy is part storytelling, part slapstick, and 100% genuine. Rick Garrett works with a number of fantastic comedians, whose credits include Comedy Central, The Tonight Show, VH-1, Las Vegas, and more.

19 artists across a variety of musical stylingspresent music celebrating life and love, hope and healing across the genres of folk, Americana, rock, alt-country, contemporary Christian, alternative, indie, adult contemporary and 70's groove including:

Carrie Newcomer
Henry Lee Summer
Carl Storie
Jennie DeVoe
Ann McWilliams
Patchwork
Dean Phelps
Dark Matter Halos
The Trust Project
Justin McElhany
Krista Detor
Mutual Kumquat
Soulshine
Jeff DeHerdt
Frank Bradford
Luke Austin Daugherty
Matt Heincker and the Walkaways
Mandy Marie Luke
The Dancin' Nancys
 

Since 1989, Richard has periodically presented an award he calls "The Tenderness Award" recognizing excellence in service to children by an individual or non-profit organizations. Recipients have included:

• Prevent Child Abuse Indiana
• Reach for Youth
• Daryl Abbott, Child Abuse Prevention Services
• The Guardian Center
• The Haven Youth Center
• Michie Rollison, NeoFight