Restaurant Owner Returns $12,000 He Found in an Old Tool Cabinet to Rightful Owner.

In 2025, Sak purchased the South Carolina property and planned to turn it into a Thai restaurant, which he later named Lemon Grass Pho & Thai Cuisine. Soon after purchasing the restaurant, a devastating fire at a neighboring store knocked out the property’s power, which forced Sak to delay his restaurant opening for several months.

With the power finally restored in June 2026, Sak began to sort through the furniture and other items left behind by the previous owner. Inside a rusty tool cabinet, he discovered a sunglasses case that contained – to his surprise – a stack of $100 bills totaling $12,000. 

“The first thing in my mind was that I’d try to find the right person to get this money back to,” Sak said.

The number he had on file for the previous owner was disconnected, but he remembered that he had an alternative number to try. The second number worked, and Sak told a grateful man about the found money. That call happened to coincide with some unexpected medical expenses incurred by the previous restaurant owner.

Sak said that he felt glad to help someone during a personal crisis.

When asked what motivated him to turn in the money, Sak said he was "always taught to do the right thing." 

He explained that he understands the importance of integrity in business and in life, and he emphasized how he didn’t really lose the money, because it never belonged to him.

"That’s my boy; I saw you on the news," said a local post office worker who was among many in the community cheering Sak's honesty. "You did the right thing." 

Sak said that he hopes his action can inspire others to do the same when confronted with a similar situation.

"I just want to say: Do the right thing," he said. "Don’t give up honesty."

The Foundation of a Better Life and Passiton believe that Sak Yiengjuntuek is a hero. His honest action is a great example of the value of integrity. Please help us celebrate him by sharing his uplifting story.