Walker Hayes is currently the king of the country party anthem, thanks to songs like “Fancy Like,” “AA,” and “Smoke,” but this wasn’t always the case. Hayes is hardly what you’d call an “overnight success,” even if it felt like he appeared out of nowhere a few years back. The fact is that “Fancy Like” only became successful after two decades of hard work and dedication.

Four or five times a year, I faced significant public rejection. Every day, I worked at Costco and looked other music industry professionals in the eyes. You know, they buy in my vegetable area, so we had to face each other and say, ‘Yeah, it’s come to this?’ And I felt like I had to pretend I was fine when I wasn’t,” he told Southern Living.

It’s straightforward to assume that, more than anyone, Hayes understands how long it takes and how much effort is necessary to make your ambitions a reality. He will also admit that he did not accomplish it alone. His family—Laney and their children—helped him, as did an unexpected new buddy he met during a period when he was at his lowest point. Craig Allen Cooper and his wife Laura entered the Hayes family’s life at a time when they were trying to make ends meet as well as grieving the loss of their seventh child, Oakleigh. The Coopers not only helped the Hayes recover and rediscover their faith, but they also gave Walker and Laney a new van to help relieve their load.

Because of this solid foundation and tremendous act of generosity, Hayes finally saw his goals come true and the ground beneath his feet, so he established the Be A Craig Fund to pay it forward and assist those in need.

Earlier this month, the “Y’all Life” singer was able to accomplish exactly that for a school janitor in Terre Haute, Indiana. Richard Goodall had just surprised the globe with his version of “Don’t Stop Believing” on America’s Got Talent, earning him the Golden Buzzer. Check it out if you haven’t seen it already:

While on tour, Hayes learned that Goodall did not have a trustworthy automobile to drive to the local television station for press interviews. Hayes understood exactly what he needed to accomplish. Richard was able to obtain a new automobile through the Be A Craig Fund and with some assistance from One Country, allowing him to travel safely to the next stage of competition.

During a reception to send Richard back to AGT, Hayes arrived in a new automobile with a silver bow on the hood. View the emotional moment here:

Richard, holding back tears, stated, “We’ll be able to travel and do things we wouldn’t have been able to do before. And I can’t say it enough: whatever happens to me on the program, I’m going to be like Walker and his guys and give back.

“When I heard Richard’s tale, I realized I had to join in. His trip exemplifies the Be A Craig Fund’s mission: to assist decent people in need. One of the nicest experiences was seeing him and his wife drive away in their shiny new automobile, preparing for America’s Got Talent’s live performances. Hayes told Southern Living, “My kids and I can’t wait to watch tonight.”