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Burger King employee receives goodie bag after 27 years of loyalty. So, David Spade stepped in to help

The story resonated with thousands of fans who made sure to set things right for the hardworking man .
PUBLISHED SEP 30, 2024
Screenshot from the TikTok video @thekeep777 | David Spade | Getty Images/Photo by Christopher Polk
Screenshot from the TikTok video @thekeep777 | David Spade | Getty Images/Photo by Christopher Polk

A Burger King employee's small gift was stepped up by actor David Spade in 2022. The fast food chain faced backlash for presenting a “less than modest" goodie bag to Kevin Ford for his 27 years of perfect attendance. He posted a video showing his reaction to the small gift which quickly went viral and caught the eye of the "Saturday Night Live" star.  

Representative Image | Getty Images | Photo by David Silverman
Representative Image | Getty Images | Photo by David Silverman

Ford worked as a cook and cashier at a Burger King in Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport. He served the popular fast food chain without missing a single day. While he never expected any rewards for his remarkable record, the management gave him a small gift of appreciation on his 27th work anniversary. 


@thekeep777 People Say You Can't Keep Workers Nowadays, He Even Worked Through the Early Covid Days, Never Missing A Day of Work, This Union-Guys Worked At Vegas' Airport for Over 27 Years, He Got Nothing on His 25th Anniversary Date, But Just Look How Grateful His Employer Was on His 27th Year... #Grateful #Loyalty #GoFundMe . . Thank You Everyone for All the Love and Support!!! 😊😊😭👍🏽💯 Your the Best!!! Kevin... https://www.gofundme.com/f/kevin-27-years?utm_source=customer-andr https://www.tmz.com/2022/06/23/viral-burger-king-employee-hope-more-goodie-bag/ #Thankful #LoyaltyPaysOff #HardWorkPaysOff #HMSShoutOut #TMZ #CNN #MSNBC #Reels #UnionStrong #Honor ♬ original sound - Kevin Ford K27Y(Kevin27Years)

 

The thank-you package included a single movie ticket, a Starbucks cup, a few candy bars, and a backpack to hold everything. While one may expect more, Ford was happy with the gesture. He shared a video of himself showing off the items and expressing his gratitude.

The video quickly went viral and people were shocked to see the lack of appreciation Ford received. Viewers felt that Ford’s loyalty warranted more. 

Screenshot from the comments | TikTok | @caesarweasel
Screenshot from the comments | TikTok | @caesarweasel

Ford gave away some of the items to his coworkers as a thankful gesture for their camaraderie and support. His unwavering positivity and humility resonated with people around the world. 

Ford's daughter, Seryna went on to set up a GoFundMe for the 54-year-old grandad, at the time, ABC reported. The campaign was set up to raise funds for his retirement.

On the campaign page, she wrote that while her dad looked young, he was nearing retirement age and he couldn't leave his job as it would "cost him his retirement."


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kevin Ford (@thekeep777)


 

While the fundraiser started with a modest goal of $200, Ford's story blew up the campaign. People donated thousands of dollars, hoping to give the dilligent worker what he deserved.

Among the contributors was comedian and actor David Spade who donated $5,000 to the campaign. Ford, who is a big fan of Spade, didn’t realize it was the real David Spade until he read a direct message from the star on Instagram obtained by TMZ.  “Keep up the good work. 27 years,” Spade wrote in his message. He even shared a lighthearted joke telling Ford that he might have to wait until the 30-year mark to finally take a day off.

Actor David Spade visits
Actor David Spade visits "Late Show With David Letterman" | Getty Images | Photo by Jeffrey Ufberg

Ford told TMZ that he was grateful to receive the donation and for the opportunity to joke around with the star whose contribution pushed the amount to $30,000 at the time.  As of September 2024, the GoFundMe page shows that the campaign raised a whopping $465,879. 

In an interview with YouTuber Sierra Nicole, Ford expressed his gratitude to everyone who donated. 



 

"I think that it probably touched people because I think we as humans, period, just need love and gratitude, " he said.

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