$1 from 130,000 Strangers: Bella’s Viral Mission to Reclaim Her Great-Aunt’s Home
Fourteen-year-old Bella had a dream: to bring back into her family the little 1950s house next door — the home that once belonged to her great-aunt and uncle. With six brothers and sisters, a part-time job at her dad’s sno-cone stand, and a barely-used TikTok account, she launched a wildly ambitious idea: what if 130,000 people each sent $1 to help her family buy the house?
A month in, Bella has already raised about $43,000 — almost entirely from small, heartfelt donations. Her campaign proves something simple and powerful: when a story is real, humble, and human, people respond. This episode explores Bella’s origin, her progress, and the smart, ethical ways we can help push her all the way to the finish line.
In this episode we’ll hear from Bella’s dad (Zachary Patrick), learn how a small business (a sno-cone shop) and a big heart are powering a grassroots movement, and lay out a tactical plan listeners can use right now to help — whether that’s amplifying the message, organizing local support, or contributing safely.
Donate / follow Bella’s fundraiser:
CashApp: $summersnow2015
Venmo: ZPatrickFamily2008
SpotFund: https://www.spotfund.com/story/8aaa610d-6d63-492d-a999-a9999284c151
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