kevin perz , 56 , owns a construction equipment business in kansas city .
he has spent time over the years tracking down high school teachers and sending them checks to thank them for making an impression on him .
marilyn mecham taught perz home economics in 1977 at parkway central high school in chesterfield , missouri .
he sent her $ 10,000 and told her to spent it all on herself .
` gratitude is something in this society today that we just do n't do enough of , ' mecham said of the gesture .