Long before the internet made crowdfunding a household term, an 18-year-old college freshman named Mike Hayes proved the immense power of asking a lot of people for a very little bit. In 1987, facing the daunting cost of tuition at the University of Illinois, Mike calculated that if he could just get roughly 2.8 million people to send him a single penny, his education would be fully funded.
It was a massive long shot, but his innovative idea caught the attention of Chicago Tribune columnist Bob Greene. After Greene published Mike's unique plea, the response was absolutely overwhelming. Mail sacks began flooding his dorm room, filled with letters from across the country. While many people sent exactly one penny, often taped to a postcard, others were so moved by his ingenuity and determination that they sent nickels, quarters, dollars, and even checks.
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Mike didn't just meet his goal; he ultimately exceeded it, raising an estimated $28,000 to $29,000. This incredible effort not only paid for his degree but also eventually allowed him to establish a fund to help other struggling students. His story remains a timeless testament to creative problem-solving and the astonishing collective impact of small acts of generosity.
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