For nearly ten years, Andrew David has transformed the bustling streets and CTA stations of Chicago into his personal performance space. With an impeccable sense of pitch and an infectious positive spirit, David has managed to entertain his audience while enduring the unpredictable elements of the Windy City.
“I’ve witnessed quite a few things over the years,” David shared, “and when it starts to rain, I sing ‘Purple Rain.’ You always need a plan of attack for every situation.”
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Despite his upbeat approach to life’s challenges, an incident on Monday caught David off guard. In the midst of filming himself at the intersection of State and Madison, someone made off with his tip box, leaving him $100 short.
“I was at a loss,” he admitted, adding with a hint of irony, “no pun intended. But sometimes, that’s just how it is.”
In response to the theft, David took to social media, sharing the video of the incident on his platforms.
David posted the video on his pages.
“Hey, at least give me the box back please,” he said in one video.
The views piled up, and donations from strangers poured in.
“Sending me Cash Up, Venmo, asking me about Zelle,” David said.
Andrew did get that box back, minus the money, and says the principal of a nearby school contacted him, saying the alleged thief was a student.
“She said they that don’t condone this type of behavior, that they’re going to be disciplining the student according to their policy,” David said.
David says the school reimbursed the money and then some. This artist, who has never stopped believing in the generosity of strangers, is now overwhelmed.
“I hope people take away that kindness beats everything,” David said.
David says he did not file a police report and hopes this incident encourages that student to make better decisions.
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