What started out as a lonely graduation day for a teen in Alabama turned into a great chance for him and his teacher to get closer.

Now, that teacher is trying to get that student a car so he can start his life as an adult.

Thursday was the graduation ceremony at Bessemer City High School. One of the teachers who helped plan the event was Dominque Moore. Dom was cleaning up after the party after the ceremony was over.

Almost everyone had left to celebrate with friends and family, but one young man was still sitting there by himself.

Dom told AL.com, “I know his moods, and I knew he wasn’t himself.” “I asked him, “Where are your people?” and he said, “No one’s here.”

At first, the teacher didn’t know what to say, so she told him, “I expect big things from you, and everything will be fine.”

Dom thought that someone would come along at some point to drive the graduate home. But nobody did. Dom offered to drive him home, but neither of them knew it would be more than just a ride.

The teacher decided to take him out to eat, but he could choose any restaurant. They ended up at the Cheesecake Factory, where they celebrated the graduate’s success with a hearty meal and dessert.

At first, both of them tried hard not to cry. But soon they were having a lot of fun together. Dom never asked the boy’s family why they didn’t come to the wedding.

He thought it was important that the young man felt good about what he had done.

Later that night, Dom posted a photo and some thoughts about the event on Facebook. He says that he doesn’t usually post about these kinds of things because they happen too often in his job, but that something inside him made him want to talk about this one.

He also put his Cash App ID ($mooredaeducator) in the post for anyone who might want to “bless” this young man.

Kind people, many of whom were strangers, sent more than $5,000 in donations quickly. Dom helped the teenager open a bank account with the money. He also wants to help him save up to buy a car and go to college one day.

This baby needed a community, and WE ARE IT!” Ash Norris replied to Dom’s post on Facebook.

Chip Dillard, another commenter, offered to be the young man’s mentor, saying, “I’m retired and I’d be happy to give 20 hours a week.”

“It makes me feel great that so many people have helped him in the way they have,” Dom told GNN nine days after he started the fundraiser, which has probably raised even more money since the first report.

“He has gotten a lot of money, which he has given to a financial adviser.”

Dom hopes that the story will help everyone remember what’s really important and give hope to people who are having a hard time.

“We don’t value people or life enough. Even though bad things happen, this shows that people are good.”