Viral video contest winner donates prize money
MORRISVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Lenovo employee here in the Triangle was able to help a struggling co-worker, thanks to the company's viral video contest.
ABC11 first reported Derek DeShane's quest to make his video go viral in January. The RTP business promised a $50,000 cash prize for the first employee who could get 500,000 views.
DeShane said if he won the contest, he would give the money to his co-worker's family member, Patti Powell, who is battling stage-four lung cancer.
While DeShane didn't receive the grand prize, his video did get the most views. The prize for the most views was a trip to Hawaii.
Instead, Lenovo offered DeShane another option to recognize his generosity: $15,000 in place of the vacation.
DeShane took the money and immediately gave it to his co-worker's family.
Lenovo also gave DeShane a "Do What's Right" award.
To donate to Patti directly or to learn more about her story: https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/kl16/patti-coyne-marine-strong?utm_source=giveforward&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=dashboard&shareid=2689067
