Burger King blunder | Employee gains $400,000 windfall after 'paltry' corporate recognition goes viral

A Burger King employee's decades-long loyalty to the fast-food chain has sparked a crowdfunding sensation, and a debate around reward and recognition.

Kevin Ford, a cook and cashier at a Burger King outlet in Nevada, found himself in the spotlight when the company's lackluster attempt at recognition went viral.

Last summer, Kevin Ford's 27-year tenure at Burger King was supposed to be celebrated with a show of gratitude from the company. However, what he received was a humble goody bag that contained a movie ticket, a Starbucks cup, a bag of Reese's candy, a few pens, and other trinkets.

Ford's disappointment was evident when he noted in a video published online that the gifts appeared to be items "had lying around." The video caught the attention of the internet, and garnered thousands of views.