Fundraiser for teen who rushed to Burger King shift after graduation skyrockets to $130K — and keeps climbing
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.
Advertisement
3 Mykale Baker rushed to a night shift at Burger King just hours after graduating high school.
GoFundMe
'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.
Advertisement
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.
3 The fundraiser took off thanks to a viral video of the teen taken by Maria Mendoza.
gofundme
'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.
Advertisement
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.
3 The fundraiser nearly reached $130,000 as of Saturday.
GoFundMe
'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.'
Advertisement
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.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
What to know about fatal shooting of 'King of the Hill' actor Jonathan Joss as co-stars pay tribute
HOUSTON (AP) — What prompted the fatal shooting of Jonathan Joss, a Native American voice actor best known for his work on the animated television series 'King of the Hill,' remained unclear on Tuesday. While Joss' husband has claimed the person who killed the actor yelled 'violent homophobic slurs' before opening fire, San Antonio police have said they've found 'no evidence whatsoever to indicate that Mr. Joss' murder was related to his sexual orientation.' Police did not respond to multiple emails on Tuesday seeking additional information on the cause of the shooting. Since Joss' killing, friends, actors Joss worked with and fans have honored the actor's memory with tributes and fond remembrances. Here's what to know about Joss, his career and his shooting: Who was Joss? Joss, 59, grew up in San Antonio and graduated from the communications and theater program at Our Lady of the Lake University in 1990. Joss was best known as the voice of John Redcorn, a Native American character on the popular 'King of the Hill' animated series, which ran for 13 seasons from 1997 to 2008. A reboot of the show, which Joss had already worked on, is set to start in August. Joss also had a recurring role on the television show 'Parks and Recreation,' playing Chief Ken Hotate. He appeared in two episodes of the series 'Tulsa King' in 2022. What was happening with Joss in the months before his death? Joss' childhood home, where he still lived, burned down in January. He lost all his belongings and his three dogs were killed in the blaze. A GoFundMe account had been set up to help Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, get back on their feet. 'We may have lost our home, but not our hope. We're moving forward with love, humor, and a little elbow grease…and we're incredibly grateful for every ounce of support,' Joss said in a May 14 Facebook post in which he indicated he was in Los Angeles looking for a new home. By the end of May, Joss was back in Texas, and on Saturday, he took part in a live music performance in Austin, located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of San Antonio. Who is accused of fatally shooting Joss? Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, 56, is accused by police of confronting Joss and his husband as they were checking their mail at the burned-down home Sunday night. In a statement, de Gonzales alleged that when Ceja Alvarez opened fire, Joss pushed his husband out of the way and saved his life. Ceja Alvarez was charged with murder. Court records indicate he was freed Monday on a $200,000 bond. Ceja Alvarez's attorney, Alfonso Otero, did not immediately return a call or an email seeking comment. Robert Rios, a friend of Joss', told TV station KSAT that Joss and Ceja Alvarez were neighbors and the two had argued for years. How is Joss being remembered by friends, actors? Actor Chris Pratt, who worked with Joss on 'Parks and Recreation,' fondly remembered the actor in an Instagram story on Monday. Both actors had also appeared in the 2016 remake of 'The Magnificent Seven.' 'Damn. RIP Jonathan. Always such a kind dude,' Pratt wrote. 'Sad to see. Prayers up. Hug your loved ones.' In a Facebook post, San Antonio-based Our Lady of the Lake University, Joss' alma mater, called him 'a trailblazer in his field. His work and advocacy have left a lasting impact, and his legacy will continue to inspire.' 'You were more than a character — you were a storyteller, a dreamer, and a force that will never be forgotten,' comedian Roy Alex Gomez, who was a friend of Joss, wrote in a Facebook post. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano:
Washington Post
26 minutes ago
- Washington Post
You are now free to move about the cabin. The singing, however …
On one hand, I get it. For I, too, was once a child full of song. Some might even say overflowing. So when my TikTok feed offered me the viral clip of Delta Girl, or Moana Girl, or whatever nickname we've settled on, six days out from the incident — i.e. young girl delivers an unsolicited intercom performance of 'How Far I'll Go' to passengers on delayed plane — I found myself circling the proverbial emotional airport. It was, objectively, precious.
San Francisco Chronicle
31 minutes ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
What to know about fatal shooting of 'King of the Hill' actor Jonathan Joss as co-stars pay tribute
HOUSTON (AP) — What prompted the fatal shooting of Jonathan Joss, a Native American voice actor best known for his work on the animated television series 'King of the Hill,' remained unclear on Tuesday. While Joss' husband has claimed the person who killed the actor yelled 'violent homophobic slurs' before opening fire, San Antonio police have said they've found 'no evidence whatsoever to indicate that Mr. Joss' murder was related to his sexual orientation.' Police did not respond to multiple emails on Tuesday seeking additional information on the cause of the shooting. Since Joss' killing, friends, actors Joss worked with and fans have honored the actor's memory with tributes and fond remembrances. Who was Joss? Joss, 59, grew up in San Antonio and graduated from the communications and theater program at Our Lady of the Lake University in 1990. Joss was best known as the voice of John Redcorn, a Native American character on the popular 'King of the Hill' animated series, which ran for 13 seasons from 1997 to 2008. A reboot of the show, which Joss had already worked on, is set to start in August. Joss also had a recurring role on the television show 'Parks and Recreation,' playing Chief Ken Hotate. He appeared in two episodes of the series 'Tulsa King' in 2022. What was happening with Joss in the months before his death? Joss' childhood home, where he still lived, burned down in January. He lost all his belongings and his three dogs were killed in the blaze. A GoFundMe account had been set up to help Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, get back on their feet. 'We may have lost our home, but not our hope. We're moving forward with love, humor, and a little elbow grease…and we're incredibly grateful for every ounce of support,' Joss said in a May 14 Facebook post in which he indicated he was in Los Angeles looking for a new home. By the end of May, Joss was back in Texas, and on Saturday, he took part in a live music performance in Austin, located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of San Antonio. Who is accused of fatally shooting Joss? Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, 56, is accused by police of confronting Joss and his husband as they were checking their mail at the burned-down home Sunday night. In a statement, de Gonzales alleged that when Ceja Alvarez opened fire, Joss pushed his husband out of the way and saved his life. Ceja Alvarez was charged with murder. Court records indicate he was freed Monday on a $200,000 bond. Ceja Alvarez's attorney, Alfonso Otero, did not immediately return a call or an email seeking comment. Robert Rios, a friend of Joss', told TV station KSAT that Joss and Ceja Alvarez were neighbors and the two had argued for years. How is Joss being remembered by friends, actors? Actor Chris Pratt, who worked with Joss on 'Parks and Recreation,' fondly remembered the actor in an Instagram story on Monday. Both actors had also appeared in the 2016 remake of 'The Magnificent Seven.' 'Damn. RIP Jonathan. Always such a kind dude,' Pratt wrote. 'Sad to see. Prayers up. Hug your loved ones.' In a Facebook post, San Antonio-based Our Lady of the Lake University, Joss' alma mater, called him 'a trailblazer in his field. His work and advocacy have left a lasting impact, and his legacy will continue to inspire.' 'You were more than a character — you were a storyteller, a dreamer, and a force that will never be forgotten,' comedian Roy Alex Gomez, who was a friend of Joss, wrote in a Facebook post.
