Viral Fundraiser for Elderly DoorDash Driver Richard Pulley

Brittany Smith, a resident of Manchester, Tennessee, initiated a GoFundMe campaign for 78-year-old Richard Pulley after witnessing him struggle to deliver a Starbucks order. The incident, captured on her doorbell camera, showed Pulley carefully navigating stairs to drop off the delivery. Moved by his determination, Smith sought to identify him and ultimately launched the fundraiser titled “Give Richard a Chance to Rest Again.” As of March 13, the campaign has raised over $510,000, significantly exceeding its initial goal.

The Independent

Richard Pulley began delivering for DoorDash after his wife, Brenda, lost her job due to circumstances beyond her control. The couple, married for over 56 years, faced financial strain from medical expenses and living costs, prompting Richard to return to work despite his age. Brenda noted, “When you’re past your mid-70s, there’s not exactly a line of people waiting to hire you,” highlighting the challenges they faced in the job market.

People Magazine

After posting the video on TikTok, Smith's plea for assistance quickly gained traction. A social media user recognized Pulley and provided his name, enabling Smith to locate him. She visited Pulley to offer a $200 tip, which he initially hesitated to accept, wanting to ensure it was appropriate. Following this interaction, Smith launched the GoFundMe campaign, which saw an overwhelming response from the community, with over 12,000 donations pouring in within days.

The Independent

The outpouring of support has left both Richard and Brenda Pulley astonished. Brenda expressed her disbelief at the generosity of strangers, stating, “It’s really difficult to believe there are that many people that generous to try to help us.” Richard echoed this sentiment, noting that the funds would alleviate financial pressure and allow them to enjoy their time together more comfortably. The couple plans to use the donations to reduce their work commitments and improve their quality of life.

Express Tribune

GoFundMe has confirmed that they are working directly with Smith to ensure the funds are safely delivered to the Pulleys. Smith described the response to her campaign as “overwhelming,” stating she would “do it over again in a heartbeat.” The couple expressed their gratitude towards Smith, with Brenda calling her “remarkable” for her initiative.

The Independent

While the campaign has been widely praised, some critics have raised questions about the gig economy's treatment of elderly workers, highlighting the need for systemic changes to support individuals like Richard Pulley. The situation underscores broader issues regarding financial security for seniors in the workforce.

Express Tribune

• “I had no idea that I was going to gain that much traction,” — Brittany Smith, Fundraiser Organizer

The Independent

• “It’s just really difficult to believe that there’s that many people that are that generous to try to help us,” — Brenda Pulley, Richard's Wife

People Magazine

• “We appreciate every one of them … it’s taking a lot of pressure off of us … and making life livable once again,” — Richard Pulley, DoorDash Driver

Global News

The story of Richard Pulley serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by elderly workers and the power of community support in addressing these issues.

People Magazine