A Las Vegas magician has done tricks for homeless people before, but not like this one.
On October 1, Rob Anderson posted a video on YouTube showing him ripping up a sign held by a man who only wants to make people smile.
Out of the torn pieces of the sign, he made it “rain” money.
The veteran, named Alan McCracken, was delighted.
So many viewers on YouTube were impressed by the man’s courteous demeanor and kind mission for cheering others that the magician decided to set up a fundraising page to help. (Watch the video and read what happens next below.)
Alan McCracken is a United States Army veteran who proudly served his country for 6 years before being honorably discharged. After his service ended, he fell on hard times and wound up homeless, living on the streets and eventually making his way to Las Vegas. He can often be seen downtown holding a large sign that says “SMILE.”
“Since filming the video, I have located Alan again and gotten to know him. He is just as kind in person as he appears in the video. After speaking with Alan, he told me “I’m not out here to fill my pockets… I’m out here to fill my soul. The Lord will provide what I need”.
“Alan does not do any drugs, and is proud to tell you about overcoming alcoholism much earlier in life. He would love to find a job, but as he explained to me, it’s difficult to find a job when you don’t have a home to clean yourself up in, or a decent change of clothes to wear.”
Because he is so deserving of assistance, Anderson, whose brother is currently an active military member, started a fund for Alan to provide him with an apartment for 6 months, food, new clothes for job interviews, and basic necessities.
In just a few days the fund has passed its goal of raising $35,000, with almost 1600 donors pitching in money. One anonymous donor today gave $1,000.
A man named Edward Lee posted a non-specified job offer for Alan, and his nephew even saw the photo and exclaimed, “That is my Uncle Al, who has a heart of gold.” One commenter on the page said Alan has received a place to stay and is currently off the street.
You can get the latest updates on the fund and donate to help Alan here, on GoFundMe.
– Story tip from Scott Everett