Michigan Grocery Worker Receives $1.77 Million in Social Media Fundraiser
Ed Bambas, an 88-year-old Michigan grocery store worker and veteran, received $1.77 million raised through a social media-driven GoFundMe campaign. Bambas lost his General Motors pension after the company’s bankruptcy and has been working full-time to cover expenses after his wife’s illness and passing. The fundraising effort, organized by influencer Samuel Weidenhofer and supported by over 15,000 donors, represents one of the largest individual GoFundMe successes. Bambas plans to retire within a few months, marking the end of his long working career. This story highlights the significant financial challenges faced by some retired workers due to pension cuts and changing employer obligations, and how social media can unexpectedly impact individual financial situations.