A Coral Springs businessman has come forward to write a $5,000 check to Armando Fontaine, a disabled Miami man whose car was stolen on Monday night.
"This $5,000 saved my life because I have no money to afford to buy a car,” Fontaine said, holding the check Thursday.
When Fontaine’s gray 1996 Nissan Sentra was taken from right outside his home, his wheelchair mount and footrest went with it.
The car is still gone, but a Coral Springs businessman – who wishes to remain anonymous – made a large donation after seeing NBC Miami’s story Tuesday night.
On Thursday Fontaine called the man to thank him.
“Thank you very much, Sir,” said Fontaine, who has used a wheelchair for the last 20 years after he lost his legs to an infection.
“You’re welcome, my friend,” the businessman replied. “You’re welcome.”
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“That’s a great help,” Fontaine said. “This way I can get a new car.”
“My heart goes with you. No one should have to deal with something like that,” the man said.
The initial story was also seen by someone Fontaine had not heard from since they served together in the Army in the 1960s – a long-lost friend from Miami Lakes.
"We've arranged for transportation since his car was stolen," Goldstein said.
Fontaine isn't just getting weekly round trips to his doctors appointments, but the VA Medical Center is also replacing some things that were taken with the car.
"We're giving him a replacement wheelchair specially made and when he gets a car, he will get a wheelchair lift," Goldstein said.
After seeing Fontaine's story on NBC Miami Tuesday night, it only took her an hour to arrange the help.
