Modern Mysteries

Mystery figure hiding $100 bills around Salem

By T.K. Randall
July 14, 2016

Image: US Currency
Credit: Splintercell10 / CC BY-SA 4.0 (adapted) The unidentified individual, whose true identity is known only by a circle of his closest friends, has been leaving $100 bills around Salem on a regular basis for the better part of three years.

His notes have been discovered in shops and neighborhoods by dozens of unsuspecting members of the public who have since come to refer to him as 'Benny' because Benjamin Franklin's image is printed on them - a nickname that has also spawned the terms 'Benny-ficiaries' and 'Benny-fitting'.

Many of the notes have been picked up by people who have had a particular need of the money to pay household bills and over half of the recipients have also forwarded $100 to someone else.Some have even used the cash to buy school supplies or to help out local charities.

As for Benny himself - his identity still remains a mystery, but within those he has touched with his anonymous generosity there now lies a renewed sense of community spirit.

Perhaps his is a philosophy that we can all learn something from.

Source: USA Today

Tags: Salem, Money, Benny