Video of Howdy Homemade Ice Cream employee celebrating 1st paycheck goes viral
ARDEN, N.C. (WLOS) — Video of 28-year-old Dale Beck celebrating her first paycheck from Howdy Homemade Ice Cream has gone viral, getting more than 4 million views on TikTok.
The ice cream franchise, with the mission of hiring people with disabilities, opened in Arden two months ago, in June.
And from Beck's video, it's evident the business has created a lot of smiles for customers and employees alike.
HOWDY HOMEMADE ICE CREAM, EMPLOYING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, OPENS IN ASHEVILLE
"In the midst of the day-to-day and the stress of working this business, you wonder, 'My god, what have we gotten ourselves into?'" franchise owner Pete Brewer said in the video. "When I watch Dale's video, it was a full-stop moment when you go, 'Wait a minute, we’re doing the right thing.'"
Beck's video has also caught the attention of David Muir, as the story aired earlier this week on World News Tonight on ABC 13.
View original viral TikTok video below:
News 13 caught up with Beck and Brewer Wednesday, Aug. 24.
“It was just so heartwarming. You could see how proud Dale was of this accomplishment and how proud her mother was of her daughter,” said Brewer.
In the 52-second video, Beck walks out of the store to her mother’s car where she proudly shows off her first paycheck. The 28-year-old with Down syndrome told News 13 this marks her first job.
“I love it here,” said Beck. “It’s a nice place.”
HOWDY HOMEMADE ICE CREAM, EMPLOYING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, OPENING IN ASHEVILLE IN MAY
Howdy Homemade Ice Cream originated in Texas as an ice cream company creating jobs for adults with disabilities.
“82% of disabled adults do not work, and we believe a big reason for that is insufficient opportunity,” Brewer shared with News 13. “We’re all about giving disabled adults a chance to show what they can do.”
Brewer told News 13 the store currently employs 16 people, 12 of whom have special needs.
“I’m happy for my managers and employees,” said Beck.
Beck said she’s planning on purchasing Christmas gifts for her family with her paycheck while working towards a trip to Disney World.
