A GoFundMe for a 27-year Burger King employee has reached almost $80,000

A GoFundMe for a Burger King employee nears $80,000 after a viral video showed him being gifted a movie ticket, candy, a coffee tumbler, and some pens for 27 years of service. 

Kevin Ford started working at the company as a single father to gain custody of his first two children, his daughter Seryna said on the GoFundMe account. As his family grew, he stayed at the job and ‘continued to work here because of the amazing health insurance.’ 

‘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.’ 

The outpouring of support astonished the family, with the fundraising now nearing $80,000 in just three days. 

‘I’m here tying to get through dinner without crying! You are such remarkable people,’ Seryna wrote in the latest update. ‘I seriously can’t believe this. Y’all are changing his life!’ 

One of the many donors includes celebrity comedian David Spade, who donated $5,000 and had a private Instagram exchange with the BK worker.  

Sweet: Just a few days after the fast food worker, named Kevin Ford, went viral for a video thanking the company for a goodie bag for his loyalty, the 57-year-old comedian made a generous contribution to his GoFundMe

The GoFundMe is nearing $80,000 in just three days, including a $5,000 donation from comedian David Spade

‘Keep up the good work. 27 years,’ Spade wrote to Ford. 

In response, according to a screenshot of their exchange obtained by TMZ, Ford replied: ‘Holy s**t dude [three shocked face emojis].’

The Burger King employee also expressed he couldn’t ‘believe’ Spade’s kindness and was looking forward to using some of his paid time off. 

‘THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! For even watching the video! I love you my brother!!! Much love and God Bless… I think might be able to take a day off…’ he told Spade.

Spade joked back that Ford should just ‘wait till year 30’ to take any time off.

‘D**n, are you one of my managers??? he replied. ‘Thank you again, Sir… Have a great day.’

Ford went viral earlier this week for posting a video praising Burger King for gifting him a single movie ticket, bag of Reese’s Pieces, a Starbucks cup, some Lifesavers, a lanyard, two pens, and a few keychains for his hard work at the company.

David Spade surprised a hardworking Burger King employee, who has not missed work in nearly three decades

Top donor: In addition to Spade’s donation, more than 1,400 people came together to raise $79,000 for the viral Burger King employee

In the footage, he graciously said that ‘loyalty pays off.’

Many Twitter users, however, were shocked that the company didn’t do more for him. 

‘This is all y’all could do for this man?’ one viewer tweeted, while another called Ford’s video ‘depressing’ and ’embarrassing’ for the brand.

Others suggested he deserved an entire franchise or an ‘all expense paid trip.’ 

See also  AFL couple Tayla Damir and Nathan Broad's wedding: The unusual rule for guests revealed

In an Instagram exchange, Spade joked back that Ford should just ‘wait till year 30’ to take any time off