The viral Burger King grandpa has finally reunited with his daughter and grandchildren after nearly four years apart, and he's been touched by the outpouring of support he received from thousands of netizens, who donated to his fundraiser so that he can enjoy his retirement.
Kevin Ford, 54, was in tears when he finally hugged his family in person on the "Today" show. He hadn't seen them even before the pandemic because Ford was so dedicated to his work as the manager of the Burger King branch at the Las Vegas Airport, where he never missed a day of work. That's actually how he became a viral sensation.
On May 25, a video on Instagram showed Ford expressing his appreciation for his gift from his company, HMSHost, which owns Burger King and Cinnabon. He was celebrating his 27th year of service and received a Starbucks tumbler, some pens, a movie ticket, and candies from his employers.
Despite COVID-19 and his other obligations as a single father of four, whose kids were then completing their college degrees, Ford was consistently reporting for work. However, some people thought he deserved more than what he got as an anniversary gift, although Ford wasn't complaining. He was still very grateful to have been acknowledged with the presents because he knows others do not get the same privilege.
Fundraiser for Viral Burger King Grandpa
Seryna, one of his children, then opened a GoFundme in the hopes of receiving $200 for a plane ticket so that her father could fly to them and see his grandchildren again. She wrote that she was not expecting anything, but she was hoping kind hearts would see that it would be a blessing for Ford to visit his grandkids. Over 8,200 people have donated to the fundraiser within ten days, reaching nearly $265,000 as of press time.
The daughter also wrote about her father's dedication to his work so that he could provide for his kids. Ford was a single father for a while before he remarried. However, he continued to work for the same company because of its amazing health insurance package.
"[His work] got all four of his daughters through high school and college with full healthcare coverage," Seryna said.
Speaking with Today, Ford still could not believe the support from strangers. Some of those who donated were all the way from the United Kingdom and Australia. Even comedian and Hollywood star David Spade donated $5,000 for the viral Burger King grandpa.
Seryna, on the other hand, said that the outpouring meant a lot to their family because she truly believes her father "deserves the world" for his sacrifices. Ford's employers also extended a message for him via "Today" to say that he is a valuable member of the company.
Viral Burger King Grandpa to Send Grandkids to College
Meanwhile, after thanking the public for their generosity, Ford said he would use part of the money for his grandchildren's college fund, per Daily Mail. He confessed to crying for several days because of the people's kindness.
Asked why he never took a day off from work, the grandfather admitted that he did not know the answer to this and joked that he's probably a robot. Turning serious, Ford said that all he wanted was to work hard, be a good citizen, and be grateful every day.
He is also hoping that he will make an impression on his grandkids. One of his oldest grandsons said that his grandfather's story had taught him not to be greedy.
Related Article: Father Stands Guard Outside Daughter's School, Where His Wife Also Works, to Protect Them from Shooters
