Who is Mykale Baker? Georgia teen working at Burger King in graduation gown gets nearly $130K in donations
A teenager from Georgia received nearly $130,000 in donations after going to work at Burger King in his graduation outfit.
Mykale Baker, 18, had a big reason to celebrate on May 21. The senior from Mill Creek High School had just graduated, wearing medals he earned through hard work.
But after getting his diploma, Baker didn't take a break. He went straight to his job at Burger King in Dacula, Georgia — still wearing his graduation clothes. His quiet dedication didn't go unnoticed.
Maria Mendoza, a local resident, noticed what he was wearing and filmed a short TikTok video. She wanted to show others how Mr. Baker chose work over a well-deserved summer break.
Like Ms. Mendoza, many people online were impressed by his strong work ethic. Her 20-second video went viral, getting more than 3 million views.
Because of the huge response, Ms. Mendoza started a GoFundMe page for Mr. Baker. So far, it has raised nearly $130K.
Also Read: Burger King drops fiery How to Train Your Dragon menu ahead of movie release: Here's when you can get it
The Gofund me post reads, 'Help This Humble Graduate Chase His College Dreams Went to his job found out his name is Mykale..'
The post adds, 'While many graduates spent the night celebrating with friends and family, one young man quietly showed the world what determination looks like. Just after receiving his diploma—still proudly wearing his medals—he reported to his shift at Burger King. He didn't do it for attention. He doesn't even know his story went viral. But thousands of people were moved by his dedication, humility, and work ethic.'
The post adds, 'We're starting this GoFundMe to help him take the next step: college. Let's get together as a community and support this young kid. All funds raised will go directly toward helping him with college tuition, books, supplies, and other educational needs.'
The post concludes, 'Let's show him that the world is watching—and rooting for him. Even if you can't donate, please share this campaign to help us bless someone who truly deserves it.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Part toy, part fashion, the arrival of the viral Labubu was a long time in the making
HighlightsLabubu, a plush toy designed by artist and illustrator Kasing Lung, has become a viral sensation after its initial release in 2015, with growing popularity fueled by celebrity endorsements and social media trends. Pop Mart, the company behind Labubu, experienced a remarkable increase in revenue, with a 1,200% rise in plush toy sales contributing significantly to its overall revenue growth in 2024. The demand for Labubu has led to supply shortages, causing long lines and even altercations at stores, prompting Pop Mart to temporarily suspend in-store and blind box machine sales in the United Kingdom. Labubu, the plush toy from China's Pop Mart is a social media darling, but the toothy little monsters are far from an overnight success. Having appeared a decade ago, Labubus may have finally cemented their place in the collectible toy market for years to come. The Labubu, by artist and illustrator Kasing Lung , first appeared with pointed ears and pointy teeth, in three picture books inspired by Nordic mythology in 2015. In 2019 Lung struck a deal with Pop Mart, a company that caters to toy connoisseurs and influencers, to sell Labubu figurines. But it wasn't until Pop Mart started selling Labubu plush toys on key rings in 2023 that the toothy monsters suddenly seemed to be everywhere, including in the hands of Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and NBA star Dillon Brooks. K-pop singer Lisa of Blackpink began posting images of hers for her more than 100 million followers on Instagram and on TikTok, where Labubu pandemonium has broken out. There are 1.4 million # Labubu TikTok posts and counting, videos of fans unboxing them, showing styles inspired by them, and of course, Labubu cosplay. Fans have latched on to Labubu's mashup of play and fashion, making them accessories on handbags, backpacks and belts, or hanging them from car mirrors. "The character has evolved into a collectible and style symbol, resonating with fans who connect with its quirky aesthetic and unique backstory," Emily Brough, Popmart's head of IP licensing in the Americas, said. Labubu has been a bonanza for Pop Mart. Its revenue more than doubled in 2024 to 13.04 billion yuan ($1.81 billion), thanks in part to its elvish monster. Revenue from Pop Mart's plush toys soared more than 1,200% in 2024, nearly 22% of its overall revenue, according to the company's annual report. Aside from their ability to pique the interest of toy aficionados and fashionistas, Labubu latched on to the blind box phenomenon , where the purchaser doesn't know exactly which version of the plush toy they'll get. And Pop Mart made sure there is a Labubu for everyone, regardless of income. Most are priced in a wide rage between $20 and $300, with certain collaborations or limited editions priced higher, according to Brough. Unlike many toys, Labubu devotees include a large number of adults. Buyers ages 18 and over drove a year-over-year increase of more than $800 million in the U.S. toy market in 2024, according to market research firm Circana. Adult shoppers, mostly female, bought the toys for themselves. In 2025's first quarter, toy sales for those ages 18 and over rose 12% from the prior-year period. At $1.8 billion, adults also accounted for the highest spending among all age groups in the quarter. Like many retailers, Pop Mart is actively monitoring negotiations between the U.S. and just about every one of its trading partners as prices may be impacted. The situation with China is at the forefront, with President Donald Trump saying on Friday that the country "violated" an agreement with the United States on trade talks. Right now Pop Mart, whose products are manufactured across Asia, says that it is continuously scaling production and expanding distribution across its online shop, retail stores and blind box vending machines to meet increasing demand. Short supply has led to long lines at stores and at least one physical fight at a shopping center in the United Kingdom. Pop Mart said in an Instagram post late last month that it was temporarily suspending all in-store and blind box machine sales in the U.K. Peter Shipman, head of Europe, said in a Facebook post that the company is currently working on a new method to distribute toys to stores. Resellers have become problematic and many Labubu fans are still willing to pay exorbitant price markups. Kena Flynn was at The Grove shopping center in Los Angeles recently when she stumbled upon some Labubus being sold at a kiosk. Flynn said in a TikTok on Sunday that the prices were "really bad," but her boyfriend bought two anyway. "At a certain point, you can't buy them," Flynn said in her video. "I just want a Labubu and I cannot buy one from Pop Mart, so here we are." Looking to keep up with the overwhelming demand, Pop Mart says it's on track for 50 more retail locations in the U.S. by the end of the year. That'll give shoppers more chances to hunt for Labubus, as Pop Mart says it's planning multiple new Labubu releases tied to seasonal moments and holidays throughout the rest of the year.
India.com
7 hours ago
- India.com
What is Labubu dolls? A fashion trend that Ananya Panday and Rihanna are obsessed with
What is Labubu dolls? A fashion trend that Ananya Panday and Rihanna are obsessed with In a fast-moving world of fashion, trends change every season. Some trends emerge out of nowhere and capture the attention of millions like never before. One such trend that is currently making waves is Labubu, it's a small, wide-eyed doll with has a mischievous look. Emerged from a character from a fantasy series, it soon became a global fashion trend adored by fashion enthusiasts and celebrities. For the longest time, Barbie dolls have stood out as a cultural icon as a children's companion and a means of imagination. But now this Labubu doll is creating a buzz not just amongst kids but also celebrities like Ananya Panday, Rihanna. Dua Lipa and more. This toy doll was created in 2015 by a Hong Kong artist called Kasing Lung. He took inspiration from Nordic fairy tales and ancient European elf legends and eventually created Labubu as part of his fantasy series called The Monster. Lung was away from the video games and other computer games; therefore, he spent most of his time sketching and drawing dolls and telling stories through visuals. Finally, in 2019, Labubu entered the toy market through a collaboration with the Chinese brand Pop Mart. Besides being a toy, this doll is now available in many forms, like figures, keychains, plush toys, and special holiday editions with scarves and gloves. However, what's currently capturing the attention of everyone is the usage of this toy as a handbag accessory. This doll came into the spotlight after BLACKPINK's Lisa first donned a bag that had this doll hanging out of her bag. Later, Bollywood actress Ananya Panday, pop star Rihanna, and Dua Lipa were also seen embracing this trend, making it clear that it wasn't just a toy, it was also a pop culture fashion. Another reason why this doll has been taking the limelight is that this toy is usually sold in 'blind boxes.', which is a surprising element because buyers don't know which version is inside. His surprise factor has made unboxing videos go viral on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Each doll typically costs around $20 to $30 (approximately ₹1,600 to ₹2,500), depending on the edition and type. This Labubu doll isn't just a toy, it's a nostalgia for childhood dreams, global designs, and modern fashion.
NDTV
9 hours ago
- NDTV
Meghan Markle Celebrates Princess Lilibet's 4th Birthday With A Throwback Pregnancy Video
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Meghan Markle celebrated Princess Lilibet's birthday by sharing a nostalgic video from four years ago. The video shows Meghan Markle dancing with Prince Harry while pregnant with Lilibet. She shared some heartwarming photos ahead of Lilibet's birthday. Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, marked her daughter Princess Lilibet's birthday by sharing a video of herself dancing while pregnant - captured four years ago. The caption read, "Four years ago today, this also happened. Both of our children were a week past their due dates… so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn't work - there was only one thing left to do! (laughing emoji)" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (@meghan) In the now-iconic video taken in her hospital room, Megan is seen swaying in a black dress, cradling her baby bump as she danced her way toward the birth of her daughter, Princess Lilibet Diana. Did you know that dancing before labour is an age-old tradition? It's believed to help prepare the body for childbirth. Rhythmic movement helps open the pelvis, ease anxiety, and stimulate the release of oxytocin - the hormone that triggers contractions. At the time, Megan Markle and Prince Harry were recreating a TikTok challenge that featured pregnant women and their partners dancing to a song Baby Mama. The post came after the former Suits star posted a series of heartwarming photos - one of her cuddling Lilibet, both with windswept hair on what appeared to be a boat ride, and another of her holding Lilibert just after her birth in 2021. She captioned the post, "Happy birthday to our beautiful girl! Four years ago today she came into our lives - and each day is brighter and better because of it. Thanks to all of those sending love and celebrating her special day!" In a separate set of photos, Markle also shared touching moments of Prince Harry holding their little princess soon after her birth. "The sweetest bond to watch unfold. Daddy's little girl and favorite adventurer. Happy birthday Lili!" she captioned the post. Meghan Markle returned to Instagram on January 1, 2025 after a five-year break. Ever since her debut, she has been sharing glimpses of her personal and professional life with her Insta fam.
