By Cody Short
bhamnow.com
Many have heard of the inspiring story of Walter Carr, the young man determined to make it to his first day of work, despite his car breaking down the day before. He is now donating money to the Birmingham Education Foundation.
Walter Carr, a Carver High School graduate, had been just employed by Bellhops, a moving company, and desperately needed the job in order to pay his bills. Carr currently lives in Homewood, and he woke up at midnight to make it on time to his first moving job at — Jenny Lamey’s house in Pelham. Along the 20-mile hike, some police officers assisted him by getting him breakfast and taking him to Lamey’s house.
Once Carr arrived to Lamey’s house, the police officers told her about his travel that morning, and she was overcome with emotions. She immediately offered him a meal and a bed to rest in, but he insisted on going ahead and getting the job done instead. According to WBMA ABC33/40, Lamey then took to social media and wrote, “If the police officer had not shared that story with me, he [Carr] would have never told me. This story would have never been heard, shared and loved by all these people. He set out on a walk that night: 20 miles. Little did he know that he would travel in the homes and hearts of businesses and people all around the world.”
Ed Foundation
When Bellhops’ CEO, Luke Marklin, heard of Carr’s determination and willingness to push through his adversities, he gave Carr a 2014 Ford Escape. Marklin said to Carr, “It’s served my family really well. I think it will serve yours.”
Lamey created a GoFundMe page for a goal of $2,000, to help Carr get his car fixed. The GoFundMe has reached over $90,000.
According to WBRC Fox6 Carr said, “I’m going to donate to the Birmingham Ed Foundation. I used to be in it in high school. I hope they like. I love to help people. It’s always been my goal to inspire and uplift and do what I can do for the community. So, Birmingham Ed Foundation, this is for you!”
J.W. Carpenter, Executive Director of the Birmingham Education Foundation, said, “Walter is donating all the money beyond $66,000 to the Birmingham Education Foundation! Walter is phenomenal! We are so fortunate that we got to work with him when he was a student.”
Carr said he loves to inspire and help others. “I want to get out and help. If I have to travel the nation, I would love to. I just want to inspire and meet people and listen to their story, see how their journey was and see all the Walters out there. I know there are a lot more Walters out here, and I am coming for you all.”
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