Delivery Driver’s Heartwarming Note Goes Viral, Leading to Dream WeddingDelivery Driver’s Heartwarming Note Goes Viral, Leading to Dream Wedding A delivery driver’s handwritten note to a customer, asking for a tip to fund his fiancee’s dream wedding, has gone viral on TikTok. Erica Hernandez, the customer who received the note, shared it online, hoping to reach the right audience. The note, left by Paul Slobodzian, revealed that he was working as a delivery driver to earn extra money for his future wife’s wedding. The post quickly gained popularity, receiving over 33 million views and 5 million likes. Hernandez’s generous gesture and her hope of helping Slobodzian were praised by many. Thanks to the viral post, Slobodzian received enough donations within a week to fully fund his September 2024 wedding. He clarified that he had not intended for the note to be made public but expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support. Slobodzian’s fiancee, Aly Perkins, was equally moved by the kindness of strangers. They started a TikTok page to update followers on their wedding preparations and the donations they received. Additionally, Chipotle Mexican Grill reached out to Slobodzian, offering him a $500 gift card and the opportunity to have the restaurant cater his wedding. The heartwarming story has sparked a conversation about the challenges delivery drivers face and the importance of kindness and generosity. Slobodzian’s TikTok updates continue to inspire and remind us that small acts of kindness can make a world of difference.
Delivery driving is challenging in many ways. The hours are long and the pay is minimal. But many delivery drivers consider it their main or side job, since they don’t have many options when it comes to work. Similarly, Paul Slobodzian joined Uber Eats as a delivery driver to make some extra money. Getting tips from customers boosts their income, so one hopeful Slobodzian decided to leave a unique note for one of the customers when they ordered food. But he had a special reason for asking for a tip, even leaving his Venmo account information on the note.
Representative image Source: Pexels | Norma Mortenson
The customer, Erica Hernandez, who goes by @erica_cristal on TikTok, shared this heartwarming slideshow on the platform. On the first slide, she showed her audience the food she ordered from Chipotle. The overlay text stated that the delivery person had placed something special next to his food order. The second slide featured a handwritten note from Slobodzian, revealing the reason he took the delivery job.
“Thanks for your order!” the note began. “I drive for (company name) to give my fiancé the wedding she deserves. Any extra tip via the app or Venmo is greatly appreciated.” Hernandez added via the overlay texts that even though she didn’t have many followers, she hoped the post would reach the right audience. The post became popular within a short time, receiving over 33 million views and over 5 million likes.
The comments section praised Hernandez’s generous gesture and lauded her for helping Slobodzian. @mirnix777 wrote, “They invited her to the wedding! This is probably the cutest thing that has ever happened on the internet.” @baylayyy responded, “See, this is how you do it. My DoorDash delivery guy told me she was pregnant and wouldn’t get out of her car and I could come get her. I was also 34 weeks pregnant.” @twinadriz added, “I’m sure you had no idea this would blow up and you just changed someone’s life! That must be so rewarding that money can’t buy! You are an amazing soul queen!”
Image Source: TikTok | @j_ameshiaa
Fox 10 Pheonix reached out to Hernandez for comment on the incident. “I just felt really inspired to post it and see if my friends would be willing to donate or if any followers that I had on there would donate,” she told the outlet. Slobodzian also shared his side of the story, revealing that within a week of Hernandez posting his TikTok message, he received enough money to host his September 2024 wedding. “I never intended on leaving those messages with the intention of anyone making a video of it or even trying to broadcast it to anyone other than the person that I delivered it to,” he clarified.
Slobodzian’s fiancée, Aly Perkins, added that they really didn’t expect anything to come of this little idea involving the notes to strangers. “The fact that a stranger got our note and felt so compelled to put it out there and stand up for two strangers is unbelievable,” Perkins said. Slobodzian also started his own TikTok page (@paulslobo711) and has continued to update people on his upcoming wedding and the donations he’s received so far.
Image source: TikTok | @paulsobo711
In one video, he thanked everyone who sent him money to help plan his dreamy wedding. Adding a second video, he shared how Chipotle Mexican Grill also gifted him $500. Slobodzian also revealed his fiancée’s face in his latest video, sharing a message Chipotle sent him on Instagram. “We are honored to have been a small part of such a special moment for you and your future wife,” the message read. The fast food chain also extended their offer to serve at their wedding in some capacity.
You can follow Paul Slobodzian (@paulslobo711) on TikTok for more videos about his life. You can also follow Erica Hernandez (@erica_cristal) on TikTok for more lifestyle content.
