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Viral Video Sparks $600K Fundraiser for 78-Year-Old Driver

3/16/2026

44 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A viral video of Richard Pulley, a 78-year-old DoorDash driver in Manchester, Tennessee, spurred a GoFundMe raising over $600,000.
Brittany Smith posted the video to help Richard and his wife Brenda after Brenda lost her job.
Richard works long hours to cover living expenses and medical costs.
The donations provide relief and allow the couple to consider stepping back from delivery work.

History

Historical Context

GoFundMe, launched in 2010, transformed online fundraising, particularly for medical expenses, amid the inadequacies of the U.S. healthcare system. By 2021, over $30 billion had been raised through the platform, with one in three campaigns aimed at medical costs. Richard Pulley's viral video exemplifies this trend, as donations surpassed $600,000 to support him and his wife, reflecting broader economic challenges faced by many Americans.

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Story summary

A viral video of Richard Pulley, a 78-year-old DoorDash driver in Manchester, Tennessee, spurred a GoFundMe raising over $600,000.
Brittany Smith posted the video to help Richard and his wife Brenda after Brenda lost her job.
Richard works long hours to cover living expenses and medical costs.
The donations provide relief and allow the couple to consider stepping back from delivery work.

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