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A fundraiser that went viral when a stranger shared a TikTok about a Georgia teen who rushed to work a Burger King shift hours after his high school graduation has raised more than double its goal this week — and the sum is still swelling.
The “From Burger King to a College Dream” fund skyrocketed to nearly $130,000 as of Saturday afternoon, a mouth-watering sum Mykale Baker plans to use to fulfill his dream of higher education.
“I feel happy,” Baker, 18, said in an interview with 11 Alive this week.
“I just want to say thank you to my parents and all the people that see the good in me and believe in me, and donated all that money to me.”
The online fundraiser reached the staggering goal within just 10 days of being established.
Thousands of dollars trickled in across the first few days, but soared to six figures when the heartwarming story was shared across social media and news outlets — quickly decimating the $60,000 goal.
Donors included thousands of well-wishers, most of whom were strangers.
“Remember this money is for you. Not for mama, the church, or others in need. It’s an investment in your future. Invest it in yourself wisely and you’ll have much more to share with others down the road!” one anonymous donor wrote.
The incredible saga sprouted from what fundraising organizer Maria Mendoza thought was a simple TikTok video that she shared “without thinking” of Baker working at the fast food chain with his graduation stole and medal still around his neck.
The 18-year-old picked up the shift at the Dacula, Georgia, restaurant where he worked after seeing the late-night rush on May 21, despite crossing the graduation stage at Mills Creek High School just hours earlier.
“He was so kind, so polite,” Mendoza told the outlet. “Radiating joy, even after such a big day. His dedication and quiet strength really moved me. I felt called to do something to recognize that.”
She returned to the chain a few days later to reveal the hefty donations, and the teen was brought to tears over the generosity.
Baker revealed the uncertainty he faced post-graduation because of financial restrictions, but was hoping to go to a trade school.
“I’m just grateful I got to do something for him,” Mendoza said. “He inspired me.”
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