DADADEL
A Chick-fil-A employee, aged 17, won a car in a company raffle. Instead of keeping it, she donated her prize. Yet, the story took a surprising turn when she received unexpected news, making the entire ordeal seem surreal but undeniably real.
Haley Bridges, a 17-year-old Chick-fil-A employee from Appleton, Wisconsin, was awarded five raffle tickets at a company banquet. Surprisingly, she won the grand prize—a new car! However, she immediately felt compelled to share her fortune, highlighting the close bonds within Chick-fil-A.
Following her win, Haley selflessly donated the car to her 19-year-old colleague and friend in need, Hokule’a Taniguchi. According to The Blaze, Taniguchi had been commuting to work on a bicycle throughout the harsh fall and winter seasons. Witnessing her friend’s struggles, Haley saw fit to gift her the car, believing it would greatly benefit Taniguchi.
Chick-fil-A Appleton took to Facebook to commend Haley for her selfless act of generosity.
“Seeing our team care for each other was our favorite highlight,” the company wrote on its Facebook page. “We were able to give away A CAR this year! Haley won the car, but immediately decided to give it to Hokule’a so she doesn’t have to bike to work anymore!”
The 17-year-old Chick-fil-A employee considered it the right choice, despite her mom’s slight disappointment at her giving away such a significant gift. To her, her co-workers are more than just colleagues; they’re her second family, and she stands by her decision without any regrets.
“I started working at Chick-fil-A in late August,” she told Today. “I love working here. Not only are the people who work here amazing, but it has taught me so many new things. I always look forward to going to work, I get to see my second family.”
During her conversation with the outlet, the Chick-fil-A employee disclosed that her intention to gift the car, if she won, had been premeditated, with several of her colleagues also privy to the plan.
“The car was the only raffle where we couldn’t pool our tickets, one ticket per person,” Haley recalled. “Our friend group and some other friends decided to all put one in for her. We were all very nervous that someone else would get chosen, but we kept our hopes up.”
Haley’s disbelief turned to tears as her name was announced as the grand prize winner of the new vehicle.
“Once my name was called by one of the bosses, Hoku and I looked at each other, this is when she started to cry,” Haley revealed. “I’ve never seen her emotional side much. She is a very happy person and very funny and goofy as well. We looked at each other and I started to cry as well,” she continued. “My heart felt as if I was racing and we both stood up and ran to each other. Everyone in the room felt like they were gone, it felt as if it was just us two in the moment. We hugged each other hard and cried so much. Everyone was either crying or clapping. We all had a big group hug with everyone near us and it felt so unreal experiencing this,” Haley recalled. “No one deserves it more than Hoku.”
Hokule’a expressed disbelief at her friend’s immense luck and generosity. She feels profoundly blessed to be part of the Chick-fil-A family.
“I just started crying, because I was so happy, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh! I can’t believe this is real!’” Hoku explained. “Now I can go grocery shopping. I can, like, go to work, like, five minutes before now instead of, like, two hours earlier just to get here on time. There’s a million more opportunities and possibilities for me now!”
Shortly after, the Chick-fil-A employee found herself swept up in another stroke of luck. Inspired by Haley’s selflessness, her aunt organized a fundraiser to clear Haley’s car loan, which had been a significant portion of her paycheck since she had gifted her free car to a friend. Haley Bridges emerges as an exceptionally deserving individual. Giving away a car while still managing personal payments, especially at just 17, reflects remarkable generosity. This young lady exemplifies the spirit of giving, teaching us all a valuable lesson. Well done, Haley!
