During their stay Muhammad had a craving for a taste of home. Early one morning around 7 am, Muhammad wanted to go to McDonald's Restaurant. It was approximately one block from the Hilton Hotel, but as you can probably guess, he cannot go anywhere without attracting a crowd. The main concern was that he did not have his body guards with him, but he would not be deterred.
Yank, Muhammad and another friend left the hotel and in no time three people turned into seven, and then seven turned into fifteen as the realization hit that Muhammad Ali was out for a stroll. It was a very busy street and one guy jumped out of his car, leaving it in the street and started following Muhammad with the rest of the crowd. By the time they got to McDonald's it was a mob scene!
Muhammad made his way to the counter and ordered an Egg Mcmuffin and coffee and turned to Yank and said "What do you want?" then turned to their other friend and asked him "What do you want?" They both answered "We will have the same!" At this point Muhammad turns to Yank and says "You got alot of money on you?" Yank says sure and Muhammad shouts out "Breakfast for Everyone" Muhammad treated everyone in the restaurant including the staff behind the counter. By this time the restaurant was jammed with over 100 people.
When the bill came it was over $180.00 and Yank was only carrying $130.00. This took place several years ago so there were no debit machines nor ATM's and they did not take credit cards like they do today. Yank had to find a kiosk bank to withdraw $50.00 to pay the bill. Meanwhile the mob in the restaurant was overjoyed to be sharing their breakfast with "The Greatest"
Right place, right time! A memory that these lucky folks will never forget!
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| Muhammad Ali, Yank Barry at McDonald's, Jakarta Indonesia |
There is more to the story. The following afternoon Muhammad wants to go for a walk and again no security with them. Yank and Muhammad and another friend were walking behind the hotel and they had lagged behind Yank All of a sudden Yank is surrounded by 4 or 5 big guys who came out of nowhere and said to Yank "hey where are you going boy?" Yank can see Muhammad and his friend and Muhammad can see what is happening to Yank. The would be robbers, were focusing on Yank and didn't see Muhammad Ali. One of them says to Yank, " give us all of your money, give us your watch" Yank calls out ....MUHAMMAD...and Muhammad pretends he doesn't hear him. Nothing happens so Yank reaches into his pocket because these guys were going to beat him up. As Yank pulled his money out Muhammad and their friend walk over one of the robbers looks up and goes "Muhammad Ali" Muhammad looks back at the thug and says "this is my friend". Needless to say, Yank kept his wallet and watch!
Yank and Ali have been close friends for decades and have provided over 550 million meals to feed the hungry. Ali's celebrity has paved the way for Global Village Champions Foundation to deliver food even in war torn areas. As you can imagine, not a shot was fired while Yank and Muhammad delivered badly needed food and medical supplies. Where ever they were asked to go to help, especially when children were concerned they went.
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| Yank Barry and Muhammad Ali on a private jet delivering food to hungry kids |
"Join The Greatest Fight - The Fight Against Hunger"
Jackie Bigford
Social Media Director
Global Village Champions Foundation
