Last week, Kevin Ford went viral on social media for a reward his employer gifted him after decades of perfect attendance. For 27 years, the Black, now 54-year-old father of four never missed a day at Las Vegas McCarren International Airport’s Burger King. His reward? Candy, movie vouchers, a lanyard, two ink pens and a reusable Starbucks cup.
As video spread of a thankful Ford showing off a plastic goodie bag for a lifetime of service, social media users were outraged. The footage caused many to discuss how some large corporations treat their employees. “That Burger King employee who got a bag of candy and a Starbucks cup for his 27 NEVER MISSED A DAY OFF WORK years of service goes to show that these major companies do not care,” a user tweeted. Another followed up with, “Imagine how many important personal [and] family events he gave up to never miss a day off work for [27] years.”
Thanks to the power of social media, Ford’s story has grown large enough that a GoFundMe with a significant amount is now in his name. The dedicated father also made a few TV appearances to discuss his story. Today (June 28), Ford and his family appeared on TODAY. One of his daughters shared that she initially started his GoFundMe so he could afford a $200 plane ticket to go home and visit family he hadn’t seen in years. They ended up receiving over $212,000 and counting — even actor David Spade reportedly donated $5,000.
“I just can’t believe this. Thank you, thank you everybody. I just want to tell everybody out there, ‘Thank you for every cent.’ Just the thought of watching the video and just having a reason to smile. I want to thank everybody,” Ford said on TODAY. “There’s been donations from Australia, the U.K. — all around the world. I just want to say, ‘Thank you’ to everybody. It’s just a dream come true. It’s just a whirlwind of love. Spread the love, cause every day you need it.”
While the masses seem happy about his new fortune, others feel the company should match the public’s donation. “I’d like to see @BurgerKing match the GoFundMe for Kevin Ford, a 27 year Burger King employee [who] never missed a single day of work, yet was humiliated with a gift of candy and a lanyard as appreciation. Step up, [please],” a tweet read.
So awesome talking to Kevin Ford.
After working at Burger King for 27 years – without missing one day of work – they gave him a candy goody bag.
But the internet wasn’t happy about that – and has raised $141,000 so far. He says he’ll use the money for his grandkids college. pic.twitter.com/iV4cCgHbTN— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) June 26, 2022
People like Kevin Ford are the backbone of America 🇺🇸 https://t.co/mU5uMBrG6Z
— Mike Trim WPTV (@MikeTrimWPTV) June 26, 2022
That Burger King employee who got a bag of candy and a Starbucks cup for his 27 NEVER MISSED A DAY OFF WORK years of service goes to show that these major companies do not care 🙂.
— Razzle Dazzle✨🇯🇲 (@smiletinaa_) June 21, 2022
Imagine how many important personal/ family events he gave up to never miss a day off work for 28 years.
— Mesha Williams (@MeshaWilliams8) June 22, 2022
I’d like to see @BurgerKing match the gofundme for Kevin Ford, a 27 year Burger King employee who’s never missed a single day of work yet was humiliated with a gift of candy and a lanyard as appreciation. Step up pls.
— Marcus (@Marcus38952002) June 24, 2022
Kevin Ford worked for Burger King for over 27 years. On his salary, he put 4 daughters through college. Burger King gifted him one movie ticket, a large bag of Reese’s Pieces candy, 2 key chains for his service. His daughter started a GOFUND ME and raised $159,000 for her father! pic.twitter.com/GBXRTaKZg3
— Brunell Donald-Kyei (@brunelldonald) June 28, 2022
A fast food worker has to go viral in order to get a livable income after 27 years working at the same company
@BurgerKing should be ashamedhttps://t.co/ezSR1ti8dq
— Michael Sainato (@msainat1) June 28, 2022
Kevin Ford devoted his LIFE to Burger King and for 27 years of his service, what does he get? A goodie bag for a 5 year old. Shame on Burger King. Billion dollar company needs to treat their long time employees much better. I bet the CEO gets a much bigger goodie bag. #Respect
— Ravi Yande (@ravireport) June 25, 2022