Elderly Man Flies 500 Miles To Deliver $1000 Check to Each Student & Staffer at Paradise HS
The season of giving is in full swing. It seems like we can’t keep up with the numerous stories of compassion and generosity that happen every day, especially during the month of December.
For those who have suffered the devastations of California’s Camp Fire, kindness can’t come at a more opportune time.
According to Cal Fire, as of Dec. 2, nearly 14,000 homes have been destroyed and 88 civilians have lost their lives due to this disaster.
Though life has been bleak and discouraging for the residents of the affected areas, rays of hope shine through the darkness.
One of these rays goes by the name Bob Wilson. A successful businessman residing in Rancho Santa Fe, Wilson spends his time developing real estate, according to the Los Angeles Times. He also co-owns six Fish Market restaurants throughout Southern California.
These are certainly successes to be admired, but it is Wilson’s most recent investment that has everyone talking.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Wilson saw an article about Paradise High School and the students who lost so much.
“I thought, ‘Gosh darn, these kids — I had such a great time, such great memories of high school — if I could help those kids out I wanted to do that,” Wilson told the Los Angeles Times.
90-Year-Old Businessman Shares $1,000 Checks To All Paradise High School Student. #bobwilson #paradisehighschool #businessman https://t.co/3jGJVa4O3d https://t.co/6FSlACFrCU pic.twitter.com/L42md5eAHy
— 360aproko (@360aproko) November 29, 2018
And that’s just what he did. Keep in mind this man has no connection to this town or its residents. He simply felt moved by their story and desired to do whatever he could to make things better.
So he packed his bags and flew north — 500 miles north, according to People magazine. But it was what waited inside his suitcases that is truly remarkable.
On Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, the 89-year-old entrepreneur arrived in Paradise and began handing out checks to the high school students and staff.
This guy is my hero!! Bob Wilson is a successful #SanDiego businessman. He was in #ButteCounty today to give each student & staff member at #ParadiseHighSchool a $1K check following the devastating #CampFire. pic.twitter.com/G4YvIxmgev
— Heather Holmes (@HeatherKTVU) November 28, 2018
Each check was made out for $1,000 and was a gift the recipients could use however they wish, KPIX-TV reported.
“High school had a great impact on my life,” Wilson told KPIX. “In fact, I would say it was the first, last and only truly carefree time.”
Drawing on memories from high school, @ehscougars grad Bob Wilson, generously donates to students and staff from Paradise Fire. #EUHSDproud https://t.co/wVQv3omQvy pic.twitter.com/IponIvW1Ur
— EUHSD (@EUHSD) November 30, 2018
This man has definitely warmed more than a few hearts with his selfless gesture. If you’d like to help those affected by Camp Fire, there are plenty of ways to lend your support.
KOVR has compiled a list of websites accepting donations to help the victims in their article “How to Help the Victims of Camp Fire.”
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