A former Olympic gold medalist has a new outlook on life. That’s because the South Florida community stepped up to help after seeing his story….
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A former Olympic gold medalist has a new outlook on life. That’s because the South Florida community stepped up to help after seeing his story. Heather Walker has this 7 Investigates update.
Hockey legend Bob McVey captured the hearts of South Florida and the world when we learned he was in financial trouble.
Robert McVey: “I have not had as much attention as I did when I was on the team.”
Bob was part of the USA’s 1960 Olympic team, the first to pull off a miracle on ice.
But he was in need of a miracle after being robbed of thousands of dollars, and as a result, was forced to sell his gold medal.
Robert McVey: “I had to put new windows, replace them, that was like $59,000, and that’s what I got for my medal.”
We first learned about Bob’s situation from his caretaker, Anatalie Dean. She reached out to 7 Investigates after she learned about his struggle.
Anatalie Dean: “His stove doesn’t work, so we’re not able to make meals. Bob eats sandwiches every day.”
Immediately after our story aired, South Florida responded.
Anatalie Dean: “Oh, my gosh, since the story aired, our GoFundMe has gone up from $381 to almost $28,000.”
In a few hours, thousands of dollars were raised. But it didn’t stop there.
You, the viewers, offered everything from volunteering your time to help out Bob to donating items needed to fix his home. From South Florida all the way to Germany, you stepped up.
Anatalie Dean: “Somebody has donated vanity for him that is from out of the country. It’s the people that have called and said they want to come in and have boots on the ground, they want to help us to demo, whatever we need, they’ll wash his clothes.”
Bob is overjoyed with the outpouring of support.
Robert McVey: “It’s just so nice that the people are so good and so friendly and so helpful.”
Professional contractor Jeff Cohen says, after seeing Bob’s story, he knew he had to help.
Jeff Cohen: “I’m an avid hockey person. We go to all the [Florida Panthers] games, and I actually saw that with my daughter. And we looked online, and she looked at me like we needed to help this person out.”
Jeff Cohen: “Bob, it’s a pleasure meeting you, sir. We’re going to take care of you. We’re gonna make everything more accessible. It’s going to look a lot easier and nicer for you.”
Cohen is providing labor and all of his services free of charge.
Jeff Cohen: “We’re going to be removing and revamping the kitchen, removing the flooring, putting new flooring down, revamping the bathroom.”
Dr. Mindy Parsons also reached out and donated a stove.
Dr. Mindy Parsons: “We’re not even close to millionaires. We’re really grateful that we are both working and that we have enough in savings to purchase a stove.”
BrandsMart completed Bob’s kitchen, upgraded by giving him a new refrigerator and TV.
Robert McVey. “I’m so grateful.”
Other Olympians, like Jon Naber, president of the Olympians & Paralympians Relief Fund, and Tiffany Cohen, a former swimmer and gold medalist, also donated.
Anatalie Dean: “We can make you your meals so you don’t have to leave home.”
And home was Bob’s ultimate goal. He wants to stay here as long as he lives.
Robert McVey: “I love this place. I love the view, I love the location, and it’s near everything.”
Bob can’t believe how many people offered to help. And he is grateful to be back on his feet.
To donate to the GoFundMe page, click here.
CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
[email protected]
