The employees at Chick-fil-A in Appleton, Wisconsin, are more than just co-workers. Many of them are also real friends who care about each other even when the workday is done. They support one another not just at work but often in other ways as well. So, when there was a raffle for a car at their annual Christmas party, even with a prize that big, it wasn’t every person out for themselves.

Several of the team got together and decided that if they won the car, they would give it to a co-worker who had been bicycling to work in the cold Wisconsin winter. Then, one of them won.

The friendship

Haley and Hokule’a had become friends while working together at the restaurant. Haley had begun working there in July, and by August, she had already become friends with Hokule’a.

It was during that time that the seventeen-year-old learned her co-worker had been commuting to work each day via bicycle. Even in the winter, as the temperatures dropped to below freezing, her friend from Hawaii was still using a bicycle to get to work each day.

The opportunity

When there was a raffle for a car at a Chick-fil-A Christmas party, Haley knew what she needed to do. She spoke to several of the people she and Hokule’a worked with and got them to agree to give Hokule’a the car if they won it. None of them wanted to see a co-worker bicycling to work each day in the snow and ice.

Everyone was excited about the raffle. Even the company ended up talking about it on their Facebook page after it happened:

“This past weekend, we had our Christmas Party to celebrate all of our team’s hard work in 2020! It was filled with good food, games, the annual raffle, and even better company. “

The Christmas party

On the night of the raffle, Haley was nervous for her friend and was hoping that one of the group members would win the car so they could give it to Hokule’a. It was a very happy coincidence when Haley ended up being the one with the winning ticket. She was ecstatic and immediately gave the car to her friend.

A gift from the heart

Hokule’a was eternally grateful for the amazing gift. The company was incredibly proud of the sacrifice that one of its employees made for another. Even Haley’s parents were only a little irritated at her giving away such a huge prize. They understood that she had a big heart and that it was in the right place.

A reward felt by everyone

Chick-fil-A posted this in response to the night’s events:

“Seeing our team care for each other was our favorite highlight… We were able to give away A CAR this year! Haley won the car, but immediately decided to give it to Hokule’a so she doesn’t have to bike to work anymore! “

It’s hard not to get excited about a car, especially when it’s been given away twice in one night!

And they weren’t alone in their enthusiasm. So many people were thrilled to see the act of kindness. They responded to the post with their own comments:

Tanya Albrecht wrote:

“Oh wow! This is just what my FB needed… genuine love and kindness!! The crew is always so kind to us as patrons and I’ll continue to give you my business! Way to go, Haley! You’re exactly what the world needs! Congratulations CFA for creating an amazing atmosphere for everyone to work in!”

Others chimed in as well.

Ann Wong said:

“That is incredibly generous and so caring and loving so happy to see this world still have some amazing human being. So glad that they have each other and their team for love and support. Love this story so much it gives me tears of happiness another reason to even love Chick-fil-A and their employees even more.”

We couldn’t agree more!

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Chick-fil-A Appleton via Facebook

Haley Bridges via Facebook

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By Catherine Marucci

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Catherine Marucci is a contributor at SBLY Media.