Getting Results: Thousands of dollars raised, new air conditioning installed in family’s home after KESQ story
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) - The story of a local grandmother in need has now reached thousands across the internet, and it all began with News Channel 3's coverage about the family's untimely air conditioning outage.
Earlier this month, News Channel 3 spoke with Nikita Potter, the granddaughter of 91-year-old Chuck Potter, who died in his home from heat exhaustion after the air conditioning unit failed. Potter was racing against the clock to install a new unit for her grandmother, Nona, with quotes between $20-30,000.
Potter told News Channel 3 her grandmother, Nona, was staying in hotels as they struggled to afford a new HVAC system.
"The Monday morning before you reached out, I had went to bed and I was crying and a little upset. I told my sister, we need a miracle to happen," Nikita Potter said.
However, what began as a tragedy, ended in a new chapter for the Potter family.
After KESQ's story aired, social media influencer and philanthropist, Jimmy Darts, reached out to help and has since raised over $90,000 to assist.
"I saw the news clip of the lady, in like the Palm Springs area, that her husband passed away. I was like, oh my gosh, it's so hot there. I'm like, dang, this grandma needs a miracle," Darts said.
Through one of Darts' kindness challenges, the internet fell in love with Nona.
After connecting with Nikita, Darts met with Potter at a local Walmart and asked if a diamond ring found on the floor was hers. When she denied and told the truth, Darts offered her $1,000, and from there the viral video took off.
"I think everyone just kind of felt that connection with her, that she was such like a sweet lady and everyone felt like they were her grandkids. People from all over the country gave $5, $10, $20 and it just grew traction overnight," Darts said.
In just 24 hours, the video blew up online and gathered the support of over $100,000.
Darts surprised Potter with the money at her home, where a free HVAC system was also awaiting her from Esser Air Conditioning and Heating.
"The fact that Esser really stepped up and handled everything. They handled the crane, the permits. It is such a weight lifted," her granddaughter said.
It's shined a light on a path forward for the Potters they never thought was possible before.
"I think if we didn't get the interview we did on KESQ and getting the coverage that got and just all of it, I don't think our miracle would have happened," Nikita said.
Her granddaughter says Nona will use the money to pay off debts, taxes and bills accrued since her husband's death.
