TROY, N.Y. -- If you've ever had someone hold the door for you, or pay for your cup of coffee in the drive-through lane, then you're familiar with the concept of "paying it forward." A Troy man is now taking it a step further -- rather, he's taking it 50,000 steps further.

Jeff Buell, a former city employee-turned-real estate investor, just launched what he calls "Do The Next Good Thing," in partnership with local website TwoButtonsDeep.com. As part of the project, Buell is walking around area communities and randomly handing out $100 bills to the people he meets. The only caveat is that they, in turn, pass some kindness on to someone else in their life.

Buell is funding the entire venture with his own money, and he plans to give away $50,000 by this time next year. He was inspired by two things: violent and devastating current events, and the death of his 35-year-old sister in 2016.

"When you end up being affected by tragedy and you feel it first-hand, it kicks you into another gear," Buell said. "I'm a really big proponent of saying, 'You get what you give in this world.' "

His advice to those he meets?

"Just be a decent human being," Buell said.