JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A chance encounter led to a heartwarming show of support for a local Door Dasher.
Ireland Dannehold, posted a video on TikTok of her DoorDash driver, Larry Bailey, wanting to find him to help raise money for him. The TikTok video reached millions worldwide, prompting Dannehold to start a GoFundMe campaign for Bailey.
“I’ve done a lot of things in my life. I’ve just handed someone that you don’t know a bag of food from Panera Bread. You don’t expect a whole lot,” Bailey said.
Dannehold and Bailey met for the second time on Monday afternoon. Their first encounter occurred last week when she ordered food through DoorDash. Despite wearing a knee brace and needing to walk up three flights of stairs to reach her apartment, Bailey’s positive attitude stood out to Dannehold.
She decided to tip him a little extra and later posted her doorbell footage on TikTok to see if anyone else would want to help him.
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On Thursday, Dannehold started a GoFundMe for Bailey, which has since raised more than $21,000.
“It’s such a surreal experience. Really, I totally didn’t expect anything like this to happen,” Dannehold said.
While Dannehold’s gesture was unexpected, Bailey enjoys Door Dashing, as it helps him replace the money he spends.
“Someday I’m not gonna be able to work if I’m still alive. We’re gonna need money, so part of that, and I’ve got some, but I just want to make sure I live a lot longer now than I thought I would. You just never know how long you’re gonna live,” Bailey said.
Although the money from Door Dashing has a purpose, Bailey is uncertain about how he will use the funds raised by Dannehold.
“I’ll have to think about it. I won’t waste it, I know that,” he said.
What began as a one-time interaction turned into a meaningful connection. For Dannehold, it was not only a chance to give back to Bailey but also an opportunity to show him how much he is appreciated.
“It’s such a good feeling, honestly. Regardless of if he needed it or not, just knowing that he knows the community loves and appreciates him is just all I needed to know,” Dannehold said.
The GoFundMe campaign will remain active for a few more days before Dannehold ends the fundraiser.
