Officer Helps Raise Over $11K for Delivery Driver Who Only Got $2 Tip After Working Through Snow Storm
“I still don’t believe it’s real, but it is," said Connor Stephanoff
A local pizza delivery driver was filled with gratitude for the strangers who came together to raise thousands for him after he went the extra mile for his job, but didn't have much to show for it.
Connor Stephanoff, an employee at Rock Star Pizza in Ind., recently went viral on social media after a video posted on TikTok showed him making deliveries through the mounds of snow.
In the clip posted by Officer Richard Craig, Stephanoff was on his way back from trekking close to half a mile through the snowstorm wearing nothing but sweats and sneakers. “Look at this man. This man walked through hell and high water to deliver a pizza,” Craig said in the video.
When he asked Stephanoff if he at least got a good tip for his dedication, the delivery driver replied that he only received $2. “Absolutely insane. Do better folks,” Craig said in response.
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After hearing Stephanoff's story, Craig was so fired up that he posted a second TikTok video — and created a GoFundMe, with an initial goal of raising $500 for the delivery driver.
“I witnessed firsthand, the work ethic, dedication, and determination by this young man while I was on the scene of a crash, during Friday's snowstorm here in Indiana," he wrote. "He received just a $2 tip - from a home in a very affluent neighborhood."
“I ran to my police vehicle to grab my wallet to give him the little cash that I had (about $15) which I didn’t feel is enough," he added. "I would LOVE to raise at least $500 for this guy!"
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As hundreds of people came together, Craig was able to surpass his initial goal. As of Friday, Jan. 17, nearly $12,000 has been raised.
When asked how he felt about the generosity of strangers, Stephanoff told local ABC affiliate WRTV, “I still don’t believe it’s real, but it is.”
Rock Star Pizza manager Ron Mathews, said he knows firsthand of Stephanoff’s dedication and praised his commitment to his job.
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"He wasn't here in the restaurant; he had no idea people were watching him. But he got out, walked it to the house, and came back without any expectations,” Mathews told the outlet.
Mathews also said that he understands how many are struggling financially these days.
“Everyone is going through it tough. Everyone has it. It could be you. It could be the delivery driver. But at the end of the day, we’re all people," he said while speaking with local NBC affiliate WSAZ reported. "Just be nice to the next person."
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