Janice R. Andrews
In a surprising development to a widely shared story on social media, a college student who raised over $400,000 for a homeless guy in Washington, D.C. on GoFundMe has returned the funds to the contributors. In a series of TikTok videos, Sanai Graden, the 21-year-old student initiating the fundraising drive, disclosed that she had broken off communication with the beneficiary of the donations, Alonzo Douglas Hebron. This event represents a dramatic shift in a narrative that attracted sympathy and attention from a broad audience.
Graden first saw Hebron on the streets of D.C.’s downtown in late January. Touched by his situation, she made videos for TikTok that showed her attempts to help him—such as buying his prescription medicine and covering the cost of his hotel stay. As soon as their tale became viral, people all across the world showed their support. Their story was picked up by local media, which magnified their act of kindness and charity.
Graden persisted with her will to assist Hebron in spite of information emerging about his difficult past, which included a violent past. But as their tale was picked up by the media, it became harder to stay in touch with Hebron. Graden described how Hebron become aloof, depleted the gift cards she gave him to buy food, and misplaced the phone she had bought him.
Graden expressed her disappointment at not being able to make a long-lasting difference in Hebron’s life in her heartfelt TikTok videos. She tried her hardest, but ultimately understood that true transformation necessitates the person’s willingness to change. As a result, she had to make the tough choice to return the money donated via the GoFundMe page.
GoFundMe confirmed Graden’s activities and said funders have been paid at the organizer’s request. The business reaffirmed its dedication to helping donors fulfill their intentions by expediting the delivery of donations to Hebron. But this goal could not be accomplished without Graden’s and Hebron’s support.
Graden’s choice to return the money serves as a reminder of the difficulties involved in humanitarian work, especially when helping people who are coping with serious obstacles. Despite her good intentions at first, tackling systemic problems like poverty and homelessness proved to be difficult. Graden is determined to pursue her personal goals, which include graduating from college, even in the face of obstacles.
Graden’s experience serves as a sobering reminder of the limitations of individual efforts in addressing societal concerns as she muses over it. Although good deeds and charity can have an impact, more comprehensive structural solutions are frequently required for long-lasting transformation. Graden’s story ultimately emphasizes the value of empathy, fortitude, and an understanding of our common humanity in overcoming obstacles in life.
