A fundraiser that broke the internet 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 garnered over $130,000.
As of Saturday afternoon, the “From Burger King to a College Dream” fund skyrocketed to a whooping sum, and now, newly-graduated teen Mykale Baker looks to fulfill his dream of furthering his education.
“I feel happy,” 18-year-old Baker said in an interview with 11 Alive this week.
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“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.”
Just within 10 days, the online fundraiser reached the staggering goal after a mother named Maria Mendoza set it up.
On the first day, thousands of dollars were raised, yet the manner in which the donations trooped in was a sight even Mendoza didn’t see coming, as the $60,000 goal was quickly decimated.
Donors left not just money for Mykale Baker, but also thousands of well-wishers.
“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.
To the mother and fundraising organizer Maria Mendoza, it was initially a simple TikTok video that she shared “without thinking” which showed Baker working at the fast food chain with his graduation stole and medal still around his neck.
Now, it appears she’s changed his life and will be inspired to set up more campaigns to help young students.
Mykale Baker 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 only 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.”
A few days later, she returned to his workplace to reveal the hefty donations, and that left the teen in tears over the generosity.
Mykale Baker revealed that he was far from sure about college due to financial restrictions, but had hopes of getting enrolled in a trade school.
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“I’m just grateful I got to do something for him,” Mendoza said. “He inspired me.”
