Cityscape

James Robertson 'Is Still the Same Guy He Was 7 Days Ago' -- Evan Leedy

February 08, 2015, 5:44 PM

The 19-year-old Wayne State junior behind this past week's main fund drive for "walking man" James Robertson posts this public note Sunday afternoon. Bracketed details and bullet-point formatting are added. 

By Evan Leedy

One week ago, I never imagined I would have the privilege to ride on this amazing journey to change a man’s life. Nor did I expect to gain two best friends, James Robertson and Blake Pollock [an investment manager who befriended Robinson earlier].

I have to be honest: On Sunday morning [Feb. 1], I stopped in the middle of creating the GoFundMe page thinking: “Who’s going to donate to some 19 year old’s fundraiser to buy a guy a car?” God kept tugging at me and all I could think was that it wouldn’t hurt to try. Even if I only raised a few hundred bucks, it was better than nothing.

This story initially inspired Jiyan [Cadiz], Maggie [Mastro] and myself to create fundraisers to help James, but it went on to touch hearts across the world. With the help of thousands of donors, James’ life is changed forever.

Yesterday, I got the chance to be with James and Blake without a camera crew for the first time. To just be there enjoying each other’s company was amazing in itself, and I look forward to more time with James and Blake in the future.


Evan Leedy: "This has changed my life forever and my hope is that James has changed yours as well."
Photo by Shawn Wright | Wayne State University)

Before James drove off in his new car to go home, he gave me a big hug and said: “It’s not even about the money and the car. It’s about random strangers like you and Blake wanting to help a guy like me just doing what I was blessed to do.”

Tears Flowed

Of course, the tears in my eyes started flowing, but at that moment I knew James is still the same guy he was seven days ago.

The words do not exist to describe how grateful I am for everyone’s generosity, support, and kind words. The 13,000+ donors, as well as everyone who left their kind words for James, have all had a part in changing this guy’s life, and I am forever grateful.

I really do not think this is the end and I don’t think this will be the final update. I think there is a bigger plan behind all of this and I am excited to find out exactly what that is.

But in the meantime, a lot of people have asked what is next for James. Employees from Honigman Miller, UBS Financial Services and Tobias, Vandeputte & Skulsky, P.C. have stepped up to provide any needed services to James pro bono to make sure the donations are handled in the best possible way.

Of course, James is also enjoying his new car instead of the sidewalk!

'Faith in Humanity'

This week has been full of roadblocks, but every single problem that has come up was solved in a matter of hours. A lot of people have said this already, but I will say it myself: Faith in humanity restored.

There were so many people involved behind the scenes with this fundraiser, and those people deserve a lot of thanks:

  • Jiyan and Maggie created fundraisers for James as well. They as well as their donors deserve some big recognition.
  • I would also like to thank Blake Pollock, for noticing James almost two years ago and recently bringing this story to the Free Press. Blake has played such a huge role in everything this week and I cannot thank him enough for his efforts and friendship.
  • I would also like to thank Bill Laitner, who wrote the original article in the Free Press, which spread to countries all around the world. I would also like to thank Ford Motor Company as well as Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights for providing James the car of his dreams.
  • I would also like to thank AAA, Ledges Group Insurance Agency for providing James with affordable insurance at a moment’s notice.
  • Finally, I would like to thank the donors who donated to a man they had never met before, but were so inspired by his story. James is forever grateful for your support.

This has changed my life forever and my hope is that James has changed yours as well. The phrase “it only takes a spark to light a fire” fits well here, in my opinion.

While he is ABC’s Person of the Week, he is my Person of the Year.

I will be compiling every single comment from donors and GoFundMe users to give to James to read.

A lot of people have asked where they can send James letters, packages, etc. Any mail can be sent to James Robertson, 2002 Stephenson Hwy, Troy, MI 48083. Anything sent to that address will be passed along to James. Mail addressed to Blake Pollock or myself will also be accepted at this address.


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