Doug’s Winter party GoFundMe surfaces online as viral 85-year-old Bucks County man warns fans over fake fundraising scam

Doug, an 85-year-old resident of Bucks County who lost his wife last year, has won the hearts of his community with his endearing way of personally inviting his neighbors to his 'Doug's Winter party.' As the event date approaches on February 15 at 4:00 PM—lasting 'until the cops arrive'—Doug's thoughtful, yet quirky, party invitations have gone viral, but not without a twist.

A GoFundMe campaign linked to Doug's Winter party surfaced online, sparking concern and confusion among his supporters. Doug quickly warned fans that the fundraising campaign was fake. He clarified that he is not seeking donations for the party and stressed that the event was meant to be a simple gathering of friends and neighbors—without any ulterior motives, as reported by Yahoo News.

A phony GoFundMe campaign surfaced online early Tuesday, featuring a screenshot of Doug and details about the Doug's winter party. The campaign briefly sought to raise funds for food, drinks, and decorations for the event. The fundraiser, which was taken down shortly after, claimed to be organized by a neighbor named Doug Manchester from Presho, SD, and sparked confusion among fans and well-wishers.

In response to the fraudulent campaign, Doug’s neighbor, Michelle Hernandez, issued a clear warning. In an email, she wrote:

"This is fake and a scam. Doug’s daughter and I have both reported it. He does not want any money for the party, so if you see any other ones, it is fake."

Despite the scam, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming, with many offering food, beverages, and decorations. Some kind-hearted individuals even offered financial contributions if Doug or Hernandez set up a legitimate fundraising account, which they quickly clarified would not be necessary.

---

How did Doug's Winter party become viral?

The story behind Doug's winter party invitations is just as charming as the man himself. In a delightful 41-second clip captured by a neighbor's ring camera, Doug was seen bundled up against the winter chill, carefully hand-delivering invitations to his neighbors.

Cane in hand and a stack of white envelopes tucked into his pocket, he made his way up the stairs to one particular porch, pausing briefly before ringing the doorbell.

When Michelle Hernandez, one of his neighbors, answers, Doug cheerfully pulled out an envelope, sharing the details of the upcoming event.

---

People across the internet couldn’t help but admire Doug’s effort to make the party feel personal and special. This authenticity fueled the viral spread, and the story quickly gained traction online. People shared the clip and expressed admiration for Doug’s humor and warmth, which amplified interest in the event. Many people have now begun counting down to the event and are expressing interest in joining Doug's Winter party.