Drew Scanlon, immortalized online as the “Blinking White Guy,” is using his viral recognition to raise funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
In 2013, Scanlon, a video editor and podcaster, did a double take at a colleague's crude joke during a gaming livestream. Two years later, images of Scanlon’s face began circulating on online forums. The reaction GIF became even more popular on Twitter in 2017, according to meme database Know Your Meme.
From 2016 to 2021, Scanlon raised more than $154,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, according to The Associated Press.
Since 2016, he has participated in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s annual West Coast bike ride. The 120-mile route stretches from San Francisco to Sonoma County.
Now he’s back at it.
"Hi Internet! I'm Drew and THIS IS MY FACE," Scanlon tweeted Monday. "If this GIF has ever brought you joy in the past, I humbly ask you to consider making a donation to the National MS Society. It would mean a lot to me and to those I know affected by the disease"
He elaborated more on the fundraising website, noting that donations help fund MS research as well as "programs and services that ensure people affected by MS can live their best lives."
"I’m not usually one to toot my own meme horn but in this case I’ll make an exception," he wrote. "You see, two close friends of mine and members of their families suffer from MS, a debilitating disease of the central nervous system that interrupts communication between the brain and the body. Millions of people suffer from MS and there is no known cure.
"If a fraction of those who have seen my goofy face donated to MS research, I have a feeling we could kick this thing in no time!" he added.
Scanlon had raised over $18,000 by Wednesday, according to the fundraiser's website.
In a quote tweet responding to Scanlon, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society thanked him.
"We are so grateful for the awareness you bring and for everyone's support (and of course, your face!)," it replied.