Kevin Ford, a dedicated Burger King employee, has been rewarded with nearly half a million dollars via a GoFundMe campaign.
This came after a video of him marking 27 years of uninterrupted service at the fast-food chain went viral, sparking a debate about the company's lack of recognition for his commitment.
Ford, who serves as both a cashier and cook at the Burger King outlet located in McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, gained online fame after sharing a video on TikTok.
The video celebrated his remarkable achievement of 27 years of service without a single sick day or absence. In the video, Ford is seen holding a plastic bag containing gifts from his employer, including a movie ticket, candy, pens, keychains, and a Starbucks cup.
The video quickly gained traction online, with many viewers criticizing the perceived low-value gifts and suggesting that Ford deserved a more substantial reward for his dedication.
In response to the public outcry, Ford's daughter, Seryna, set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for her father's retirement. "He originally began working at this job as a single father when he gained custody of me and my older sister 27 years ago," Seryna explained on the fundraising page. "As our family grew and he remarried, he continued to work there because of the amazing health insurance provided through this unionized employer. This got all four of his daughters through high school and college with full healthcare coverage."
Seryna added that her father continues to work at Burger King as he approaches retirement age, and leaving would jeopardize his retirement benefits. She clarified that they were not asking for money, but if anyone felt moved to contribute, Ford would appreciate the opportunity to visit his grandchildren.
Following the overwhelming support, Seryna updated that Ford was able to visit his grandchildren, thanks to the generous donations. As of last Friday, the GoFundMe campaign had raised a staggering $408,000 for the loyal Burger King employee.
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