A woman is turning the tables on birthday traditions. Instead of receiving, she's giving more than $5,000 away for her 75th birthday. But the recipients can't just keep it, they have to use it to do a good deed.
Patti Williams of Farina, Illinois says she mailed or delivered $75 to 75 people – a grand total of $5,625 – inviting them to her "unconventional, long-distance, no cake or presents, Birthday Party!" Two of those letters came to KMOX's Megan Lynch and Debbie Monterrey. Williams joined them to talk about why she did it:
She says she got the idea from a story about a man who on his 80th birthday, sent $80 to 80 people.
"When I read that I thought ‘Oh yes. Yes, yes yes," Williams says. "But I can’t wait until I’m 80 so I’ll do this when turning 75."
The letter asks people to make a "donation, buy someone's gas, groceries or shoes – the possibilities are endless."
And there's one more thing. With the letter and $75 cash was also a self-addressed postcard so that people can write her and tell her what they've done with the money.
The letter to Debbie is at the top of the page, and this is the letter sent to Megan:
Williams says it took her a while to come up with the list of 75 people. It includes family and friends, people who live in New Jersey, Minneapolis, and Virginia, and her "imaginary radio friends." We asked her if she's worried anyone won't honor her wishes and just keep the money.
“There was one former co-worker where my hand hesitated over the envelope. But I though, oh come on, be trusting," Williams joked.
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