A Drunk Driver Wrecked His Family’s Chinese Restaurant, And Now, Strangers Online Have Helped Raise Over $72,000 For Medical Bills And Reviving The Business
While the internet can sometimes be a scary void, it can also bring people together and tremendously help others.
Recently, after a TikTok creator shared videos of his family’s Chinese restaurant, which had been destroyed by a drunk driver, strangers from all over began donating money to help them rebuild their lives and beloved restaurant.
Kevin Chen (@hotpothottie) is a TikTok creator who made videos in the past about his parents, who are Chinese immigrants who worked very hard to open and run a Chinese takeout restaurant in Farmingdale, New York, over 20 years ago.
However, in late January, Kevin went viral on TikTok when he recorded a video after a drunk driver tragically crashed into their restaurant and destroyed it. To make matters worse, the drunk driver collided with Kevin’s father’s car, which he used for deliveries, totaling it and pushing it into the restaurant.
“You think your night is going poorly?” asks Kevin in his viral video.
“Well, a drunk driver just crashed through my family’s Chinese takeout restaurant. They’ve been working here every single day for the past 25 years. They don’t speak English and this was their whole life. Now it is ruined.”
In Kevin’s video, the restaurant can be seen in its obliterated state, as the crash took out the entire front of the building and left behind so much wreckage and debris.
The TikTok community quickly stepped up after Kevin’s video went viral with over eight million views.
Thankfully, a friend of the Chen family created a GoFundMe page where people could donate to help rebuild the restaurant and get their lives back on track.
Prostock-studio – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
Blue Kim, who created the GoFundMe page, revealed that members of the Chen family were inside the restaurant when the crash happened.
If they hadn’t moved their positions to prepare an order, the cars could’ve hit them. Miraculously, they only sustained minor injuries.
“The Chen family is an incredibly hard-working family and has overcome already significant challenges, including significant sales setbacks of 75% during the COVID-19 pandemic,” wrote Blue on the GoFundMe page.
“As they navigate the aftermath of this horrific disaster, from medical recovery to the gargantuan task of reviving their beloved restaurant, we ask for your support as they will be unable to earn income from their restaurant during this time.”
A goal of reaching $75,000 in donations was set when the Chen’s GoFundMe page was created, and amazingly, thanks to some kind-hearted people on the internet who came across their story, a little over $72,591 was donated as of early February.
“Fellow Chinese restaurant kid here,” wrote donor Suo Zheng.
“My heart breaks for your family. I am glad your parents are safe, and I wish you guys a speedy road to recovery and compensation!”
To learn more about the Chens and their restaurant and contribute to their rebuilding, you can visit their GoFundMe page here. We wish the Chens the best of luck and lots of support as they work through this challenge.
@hotpothottie ? heartbroken and emotionally traumatized #aapi #asian #immigrant #firstgen #restaurantlife
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