South Carolina Restaurant Owner Finds $12,000 in Old Cabinet and Returns it to Former Owner
In a heartening display of integrity, Sak Yiengjuntuek, the owner of Lemongrass Pho & Thai Cuisine in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, discovered $12,000 hidden in a sunglasses case within an old cabinet left by the previous owner of the restaurant. Despite the temptation that such a windfall might present, Yiengjuntuek's immediate thought was to return the money to its rightful owner. His efforts to contact the previous owner, who was grappling with health issues, culminated in a live broadcast moment where he successfully reached out and shared the good news.
This story resonates with the power of honesty and community spirit. Yiengjuntuek's actions not only restored a significant sum to a person in need but also set a profound example of integrity for others. His decision to publicize the incident through a local news channel underscores a commitment to transparency and community engagement, reminding us that acts of kindness and honesty can inspire broader societal change.
Constructive analysis
The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.
- The problem
- The challenge of ensuring honesty and integrity in situations where personal gain is possible.
- The actions
- Yiengjuntuek reached out to local media to help locate the previous owner and returned the money once contact was made.
- Evidence of progress
- The owner of the money was contacted during a live broadcast, and the community praised Yiengjuntuek for his integrity.
- What we can learn
- Others can learn the importance of community resources like local media in solving challenges and the value of upholding honesty in all situations.
PERMA wellbeing profile of this story
Seligman's five pillars of wellbeing, as expressed in this story.
- Positive Emotion
- 8
- Engagement
- 7
- Relationships
- 9
- Meaning
- 8
- Accomplishment
- 9
Character strengths in play
Top VIA strengths this story embodies.
Honesty
Yiengjuntuek immediately decided to return the money, saying, 'Do the right thing. Don’t give up honesty.'
Kindness
He was concerned about the previous owner's health issues and felt compelled to ensure the money was returned.
Perseverance
Despite the initial challenge of a disconnected number, he persisted in finding a way to reach the previous owner.
Try this today
Reflect on a time when you found something valuable that didn't belong to you. Consider the steps you took and how you felt about the decision you made. This week, practice a small act of honesty, such as returning a lost item, and notice the impact it has on your sense of integrity.