New beginnings are on the horizon for Kevin Ford.
As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Ford worked at Burger King and had never missed a day of work for 27 years. The company awarded his years of service with a goodie bag that included a movie ticket, candy, a Starbucks cup, a lanyard, two pens, and two keychains.
However, when a video of him receiving his gift went viral, social media users believed that was not enough to reflect Ford’s years of dedication. So, supporters started contributing to a GoFundMe campaign that one of his daughters had created to help him afford a travel ticket to visit family. The campaign had reached more than $212,000 by June 2022.
“I just can’t believe this. Thank you, thank you, everybody,” he expressed at the time during a “TODAY” interview with his family. “I just want to tell everybody out there, ‘Thank you for every cent.’ Just the thought of watching the video and just having a reason to smile. I want to thank everybody.”
He continued: “There’s been donations from Australia, the U.K. — all around the world. I just want to say ‘Thank you’ to everybody. It’s just a dream come true. It’s just a whirlwind of love. Spread the love, ’cause every day you need it.”
More than two years later, the GoFundMe has soared to more than $459,000 in donations (at the time of this writing).
Ford has committed a portion of his earnings to investing in his family’s future. Plans include college tuition for his grandchildren. He also helped his daughter purchase a home, according to a “TODAY” update in January 2024.
What’s more, Ford has also worked to improve his life. He purchased a new car, bought a home for himself in Western Nevada, paid off his debts, and proactively saved for retirement.
He has now also pivoted into entrepreneurship, announcing the purchase of a food truck on Aug. 19, 2024.
“I Wanted YOU to Be the First Know What YOU Made Possible for Me To Be Able To Do for My Family!!! Thanks to Your LOVE, KINDNESS and GENEROSITY I Was Able to Go “All In” On This Wonderful Adventurous New Chapter of My Life!!! A FOOD TRUCK,” he said in an update shared on his GoFundMe page. “YOU Did This!!! Remember, We Doin’ BIG THINGS!!! I Want to THANK YOU for Your Continued Love and Support, for You Have Truly Saved Me and Continue to Change My Life and The Lives of My Children and Grandchildren For the Better Everyday.”
