Inside the Grand Meridian in Appleton, Wisconsin, the room went quiet as a hand pulled out a raffle ticket.
Whoever’s ticket corresponded with the numbers called would walk out of the Chick-fil-A Christmas party with a new car. Unless that ticket belonged to Haley Bridges. In that case, Haley’s best friend and coworker would get the car. And that’s exactly what happened.
How Two Chick-fil-A Employees Formed a Deep Connection
Seventeen-year-old Haley Bridges started working at Chick-fil-A in late August after a classmate referred her to the job. She quickly bonded with her coworkers, but she got especially close to one friend in particular.
“I love working here. Not only are the people that work here amazing, but it has taught me so many new things,” Haley said. "I always look forward to going to work, I get to see my second family.”
Hokule’a Taniguchi, Haley’s 19-year-old coworker, met Haley through work. By September, Hoku and Haley would hang out frequently, even outside of work.
“What we do most of the time is chill at whoever’s house we choose,” said Haley. “We are very spontaneous, as well as our little close friend group we have.”
How a Teen’s Observation Led to Her Best Friend’s New Car
Hoku rode her bike to work every day, even in winter. Haley recognized that Hoku needed the car more than she did, and Haley and her friends decided that if one of them were to win the raffle, they would gift the car to Hoku.
Our friend group and some other friends decided to all put one in for her. We were all very nervous that someone else would get chosen, but we kept our hopes up.
Haley Bridges
The raffle was the main event of the Chick-fil-A Christmas party every year, with rumors circling that this year’s prize was a car. The rumors were verified when Haley walked into the Grand Meridian, where the party was taking place. Displayed in the banquet hall was a car.
How 5 Raffle Tickets and 1 Teenager Changed a Girl’s Life
Each employee was given raffle tickets that corresponded to the number of hours they worked. Haley had five tickets.
Luckily, those five tickets were enough: Haley was announced as the winner of the grand prize.
“My heart felt as if it was racing and we both stood up and ran to each other,” Haley said.
Everyone in the room felt like they were gone, it felt as if it was just us two in the moment. We hugged each other hard and cried so much. Everyone else was either crying or clapping. We all had a big group hug with everyone near us and it felt so unreal experiencing this.
Haley Bridges
One Teenager Proved the Importance of Being Selfless
Inspired by Haley’s kindness, strangers were moved to help. After Haley’s aunt organized a fundraiser, strangers donated to Haley so that she could pay off the car she already owned.
As for Hoku, she is planning to move to an apartment closer to the Chick-fil-A where she works, and the car has been put to good use as Haley and Hoku have gone on many rides together in it.
Though any teenager would jump at the chance to win a new car, Haley put the needs of her friend in front of her own desires.
Haley is an example of a true friend, someone who cares about you enough to commit selfless acts for your benefit. Anyone is lucky to have someone like Haley looking out for them.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.