A sacred phrase. Words that are spoken in the most important of circumstances and whose fulfillment speaks more to an individual's character than any other. Not to be broken; always to be valued. 

"I promise."

Meet Malcolm Coleman

Malcolm has had an astonishingly difficult year. One that most people never experience in alifetime, let alone a 12 month span. From losing beloved relatives, to experiencing a devastating house fire on his 35th birthday, to dealing with all of it during a global health emergency working in the service industry… Malcolm describes his mindset and how he is able to make it through… “Never, EVER, give up.”

Malcolm began his career at Wendy's five years ago, enjoying the business's close proximity to the University of South Carolina. Over the years, he has cultivated meaningful relationships with not only his co-workers and the citizens of Columbia, but the students who frequent his establishment.

During this time, Coleman's positive attitude and genuine kindness has helped him pave a way for himself in the business. "I had no idea just being me made such a difference," says Malcolm. "I've learned there's nothing wrong with that. It's one thing to be valued for your hard work ethic, but it's another to be valued for who you are."

The Promise

Enter Robert Caldaroni, South Carolina, a business student who frequents the Wendy’s near campus, and who over time developed a friendship with Malcolm. “He really strives to make a connection with each and every student in a unique way. After going only two or three times he remembered my name and my order. He makes Wendy’s feel like home.” So the day Robert went in and noticed Malcolm wasn’t himself, he knew he needed to check and make sure everything was ok. Little did he know, Malcolm had been living on a family member’s couch for months while trying to move back home. Unfortunately, a lapse in insurance meant much needed repairs would not be covered.

"I pulled him aside and asked if he was ok. He let me know everything that had happened and it shocked me, because this was at least six months after the fact. It blew me away because his demeanor and the effort he put into his work, and his efforts to reach out to students never changed. He is incredibly selfless and doesn't want to put things on other people. I figured there had to be something we could do."

Robert looked to his Deltasig chapter for ideas on how to help. Ultimately, the group decided a GoFundMe would be best. So on his way to an intramural basketball game, Robert stopped into Wendy's to get Malcolm's blessing for the fundraiser.

"Trying to cope from all that trauma, everything was wearing me down," says Malcolm. "I told Rob I was trying to keep my head above water and do what I had to do to survive. He told me that he wanted to help me. People make promises, or half-heartedly do something, but Robert has put his whole heart into this. The corporate world needs more men and women like Rob who are compassionate and kind and genuinely value hardworking, everyday people, especially now more than ever."

Taking Action

A small team of Robert's Deltasig brothers assembled and began filming videos, creating promotional materials for the fundraiser, and talking to contractors. After getting a few bids and clearing the work with Malcolm and his mom, the total to fix the asbestos and fire damage came out to $75,000.

Robert is quick to credit Alexis Braz, South Carolina, who has dedicated many hours in helping the fundraiser, by taking pictures and videos and assisting in promotions. "In the beginning we were doing grassroots marketing to students, faculty, and community members of Columbia," says Caldaroni. "That got us to $5,000. We were just trying to get as much exposure as possible." After doing interviews with a few local papers, a student from another South Carolina university reached out and asked to cover the story on CNN. "She texted me that CNN had put up our article, and it was actually the main article on the news page," says Robert. The fundraiser jumped to $17,000 in 12 hours. As of April 2020, the effort rose to nearly $50,000. 

While many fundraisers start out strong and eventually lose traction, Malcolm's GoFundMe has been going strong for over a year now, and Robert hopes to meet the goal and have house renovations begin in the next several months, with more interviews in the works to push them to the finish line.

"This is all Malcolm," says Robert. "People say GoFundMe is a reflection of how you treat people, and this just goes to show how much Malcolm cares about his community." When scrolling through the comments from those who have donated to the fundraiser, that much is evident: 

"Malcolm sounds like a guy I'd love to have as a neighbor."

"Malcolm shares something much more precious than money with others."

"I met Malcolm years ago when he came in the library. He always brightened my day."

"The world, indeed, needs more Malcolms."

Indeed, it does.

#DSPSERVES

There is a community that envelopes every campus. The strongest who frequents the Wendy’s near campus, and who over time developed a friendship with Malcolm. “He really strives to make a connection with each and every student in a unique way. After going only two or three times he remembered my name and my order. He makes Wendy’s feel like home.” So the day Robert went in and noticed Malcolm wasn’t himself, he knew he needed to check and make sure everything was ok. Little did he know, Malcolm had been living on a family member’s couch for months while trying to move back home. Unfortunately, a lapse in insurance meant much needed repairs would not be covered.