The GoFundMe that was set up to reward a dedicated Burger King employee has now surpassed $130,000.
Kevin Ford, 54, went viral earlier this week after a video of him was shared on social media opening his anniversary gift from his employers.
However, despite Ford's 27 years of loyal service and considering the fact he's never called in sick, he was only given a goody bag that contained a bag of Reese's, a Starbucks reusable cup, two pens, and one movie ticket.
Although Ford did voice his gratitude for the gift, he did admit that he felt that he had been given a bag of things "they had lying around."
In an interview with TMZ, he explained: "I'm happy about anything, I'm thankful for anything I get, I'm not that type of person, believe me. I've been through a lot. It's a great company, you know, I've been there 27 years."
But it would appear that people online did not agree, and after the video of Ford was shared across social media, his daughter Seryna, launched a GoFundMe page on her father's behalf. In the fundraiser's description, she explained that he had started working the job when he was a single father to her and her sister. Seryna adds:
"My dad continues to work here, because though he does look young, he is coming up on retirement age and leaving would cost him his retirement. In no way are we asking for money or is he expecting any money but if anyone feels like blessing him he would love to visit his grandchildren."
Now, after receiving more than 4,000 donations, the GoFundMe stands at $135,655!
Even actor and comedian David Spade was touched by Ford's story, and donated $5,000 to the cause.
Now, in a new interview with NewsNation, Ford has spoken out about the incredible love and generosity he has received.
"Maybe I'm a robot," Ford said when asked about how he managed to work 27 years without taking a day off sick. "I never really thought about taking a day off. I just work try to work as hard as I can [at] whatever I do."
Check out the interview below:When asked about how he felt when he received the bag. "I was happy, you know? I'm grateful for anything." He even showed off his new cup. "There are people working hard out there and they didn't get anything," he adds.
When asked about the GoFundMe and its incredible success, Ford revealed: "I've been crying for three days now."
"The generosity of these people is just overwhelming," he said.
And when asked about what he plans to do with the substation amount of money raised for him, Ford revealed: "I'm going to visit my daughter, of course, and see my grandkids." He also said that he plans to use the money to set up college funds for his grandchildren.
A spokesperson for Burger King has since responded to the success of Ford's video, explaining: "This video depicts a Team Member in receipt of a peer-to-peer reward in recognition of a short-term positive performance/experience."
"The franchisee offers its Team Members a robust employee recognition program, which includes the recognition of tenure milestones and monetary awards," they added per TMZ.
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