Diane Gordon had a tough year. Her car broke down a year ago last February and since then she had been walking to and from work five days a week, over three miles each way.
However, luck was on her side. Last week, while stopping at a gas station for a snack, Gordon spotted something on the ground that changed her life. It was a plastic bag containing $14,780 in cash.
Though the bag contained a lot of much-needed money, Gordon, without hesitation, knew it was the right thing to do and immediately called the police. It turns out the money belonged to a couple who had just gotten married that day.
The police chief, Dan Keller, was impressed with Gordon’s actions. “She didn’t hesitate; she didn’t question it,” he said. “This doesn’t happen very often, that someone finds a large sum of money and turns it in.”
Gordon, however, felt she was just doing the right thing. “All I did was return something that didn’t belong to me,” she said.
A friend of a police officer who responded to Gordon’s call set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to help her buy a new car.
On the GoFundMe page, it stated, “Dianne does not have a vehicle, and walks back and forth to VC’s daily, regardless of the Michigan elements, where she works in the deli. She self admittedly “needed the money” and “it would be life-changing” for her, but that she didn’t think twice about not turning it in. There ultimately was found to be $14,780 along with wedding cards in the bag which were the gifts of a newly married couple that day. Dianne is a perfect example of integrity and selflessness even in her own time of need. We will be working with Szott Automotive to get Dianne a vehicle with the funds raised.”
And it did just that. The campaign quickly raised over $82,000 and Gordon was able to purchase a green Jeep Compass from a local car dealership, Szott Auto Group.
“I am floored,” said Gordon. “I am having a hard time keeping it in. I am just so excited.” She also said she plans to use her new vehicle to help her co-workers who need rides home. “I’ll give them a ride home and pay it forward,” she said.
