Updated 06/27/2012 10:15 PM
Karen Klein Holds Thank You BBQ
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
As Karen Klein walks towards her home, it's very apparent that her life has changed forever.
The YouTube video of Klein being berated by middle schoolers has received more than one million hits. The webpage, set up by Max Sidorov, to send her on a vacation has raised more than $661,000.
Some have approached Klein with the idea of putting the money towards an anti-bullying campaign.
"No, that hadn't occurred to me actually, the anti-bullying. I want to help out, but I was thinking more like my granddaughter has Downs' syndrome. My grandson has autism. I would contribute to those groups,” Klein said.
The money will provide a lot of possibilities, but one thing Karen does know is she won't be returning to her job in the fall.
“We think maybe they're embarassed. Greece," said Klein. "The things that they've said about me – she didn't do her job."
Klein has received criticism for not properly disciplining the children. Klein also says none of the major faculty members, including the principal at the school, have apologized or contacted her since the incident.
“What could she have done? What could she do? Scream at them? Hit them? I mean, what can she do? This is an issue that is a lot deeper. It has to do with societal values and beliefs that kids have nowadays," said Sidorov.
Sidorov plans to continue anti-bullying campaigns through social media.
As for Karen, she has until July 20th, when the campaign closes, to decide what she will do with the money.
“This was not my idea for the rest of my life. I didn't want money for this. I didn't know this was gonna happen,' Klein said.
Rose Levy of Indiegogo says the bank is already set up with Klein's banking account information and will deposit 93 percent of the money into her account. Indiegogo will receive four percent and three percent is deducted for credit card fees.
Klein is seeking a lawyer and personal tax advisor to make proper claims on the money.
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.