Image via Goldin
Gail Lewis, a former Walmart employee from Morris, Illinois, has become an inadvertent internet sensation after leaving her job with a heartwarming announcement. Now, a vest signed by her is now being auctioned off for a good cause by way of Goldin, a house renowned for sports memorabilia and collectibles.
Lewis’s unexpected rise to internet stardom began with a simple yet impactful video on TikTok. After a decade of service at Walmart, she bid an emotional farewell, reminiscent of a police officer signing off after a long career.
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Her sign-off message, capturing both joy and sorrow, resonated with millions, garnering over 33 million views. In her car, she reflected on her time at Walmart and the bonds she formed, and her tearful note once again struck a chord with viewers across the globe.
“We even went through a f**king pandemic together,” said Lewis. “It’s a happy sad, because where I’m going, I’m gonna be better off where I’m at.”
The response to her departure was overwhelming, with TikTok users expressing their appreciation and congratulations on her new job. Lewis later returned to the store simply to do some shopping. There, she shared her longing for her colleagues, reiterating the deep connections she had made.
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Intrigued by Lewis’ story, YouTuber Erick “Airrack” Decker reached out to her with a unique request: to fly out and obtain her autograph. The resulting signed Walmart vest initially fetched over US$400,000 on eBay, but a sudden surge in bidding led to the item being removed and Decker banned from the platform.
Image via Goldin
Undeterred, the vest found a new home at the Goldin auction house, where it has attracted significant interest, with the highest bid reaching US$11,000 at last count. All proceeds from the auction are set to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network, a charity handpicked by Lewis.
Image via Goldin
This story is a testament to the power of the internet in creating unexpected heroes and transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. Lewis’s vest, something one might barely acknowledge as significant, is now a symbol of unity and goodwill, too.
[via The Oklahoman, Whiskey Riff, Hypebeast, images via Goldin]
by rrollins
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