Employees sacrificed their Christmas party for a co-worker who emptied his savings to adopt. When the CEO heard, he intervened

Adoption is definitely a rewarding option for couples wishing to embrace parenthood. However, the process is far from easy. In fact, many in the U.S. feel adoption is exhausting or burdensome because of paperwork, bureaucracy, uncertainty, and, most importantly, expenses related to it. A restaurant in Naples, Florida, had realized the financial challenges that come with adoption, so they decided to secretly help their coworker by finding a way to fund his adoption dreams. Heidi Paniagua (@dream_g1rlxx), another employee at First Watch restaurant, posted the video on TikTok on December 16.

Norman, a cook at the restaurant, is everyone's favorite because of his jolly nature and sense of humor. Norman and his wife were in the process of adopting a baby girl, and he'd been open about it at work. To help him and his wife, his team unanimously decided to donate the restaurant's Christmas holiday party funds to his adoption and baby-related expenses. The cook was oblivious to the surprise until the team pranked him into believing that they had decided not to host a party this year. Norman stood with an animated expression, stealing the spotlight as usual, showing their manager that the news didn't affect his spirit.

However, when it was announced that he could use the party funds for the adoption process, he immediately turned emotional. Two days later, Paniagua released another video of their CEO, Chris Tomasso, praising the First Watch team for their compassionate gesture. Tomasso said that he has replenished the budget, and now the team can enjoy their holiday party without compromising. "And Norm, we have got something special coming for you, and we know you are going to be a great dad," he added. Moreover, a GoFundMe was also set up to help Norman and Alicia during the adoption process, which is quickly nearing its $4,000 goal.

A survey of prospective adoptive parents found that 97% of respondents believe that adoption-related costs make them reluctant to adopt. Nearly half (48%) of them said it was an "extreme barrier" that stops them from taking the risk of adoption. This overwhelming gesture for Norman isn't Chris Tomasso's first. In fact, he told Forbes that he still eats in the eatery's break room and writes hundreds of thank-you notes to employees reaching milestones in their careers.

Reacting to the wholesome gesture, @mamajoy04 commented, "As an adoptive parent, you have no idea how much this means! There are so many expenses (expected and unexpected), and any amount donated is a godsend!" @velvetbabe wrote, "That man’s energy shone from the moment the video started. You can tell he makes work fun, and he is loved. This restored humanity for me a bit."

@gabriellasalassaucedo wrote, "From his attitude in the beginning, even after being told they wouldn’t be able to have a party, I can tell he deserves that! He seems like such a positive and caring person, especially to do something so selfless as adopting." @kaylaflowers847 shared, "This is what the holidays are about. I'd be proud to work for such an amazing company that cares about its people." @fatcatcosplay commented, "As an adoptee myself, this has me in SHAMBLES. I hope their little one thrives with them & all of their aunties & uncles!" Similarly, @jessicamoorman239 confessed, "I'm in Cape Coral. It makes me happy seeing local stuff like this happening. Also, seeing the update from the CEO makes me want to eat at First Watch more often!"

You can follow @dream_g1rlxx on TikTok for more lifestyle content.

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