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Teen breaks Twitter record asking for free Wendy's nuggets

By Daniel Uria
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May 9 (UPI) -- A Nevada teen who was challenged by Wendy's to get 18 million retweets in exchange for a year's supply of free chicken nuggets set a world record.

Carter Wilkerson, a 16-year-old from Reno, broke the Guinness World Record for "most retweeted message on Twitter" that was previously held by Ellen DeGeneres for her star-studded Oscars selfie.

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Carter's post was retweeted more than 3.5 million times since April 5 and sales of a T-shirt with the hashtag #NuggsforCarter helped raise $100,000 for The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

"We did it guys! Thanks to your help and support we were able to raise $100k for DTFA and beat The Ellen Show record! Now let's get 18mil!" Wilkerson tweeted after breaking the record.

In celebration of the record-breaking feat, Wendy's decided to award Wilkerson with his nuggets, even though he didn't reach his original goal.

Carter's tweet "is now the most retweeted tweet of all-time. That's good for the nuggets, and $100k to DTFA. Consider it done," Wendy's tweeted.

Carter, whose mother survived Stage 3 breast cancer, also encouraged his Twitter followers to contribute to the Pinocchio's Mom on the Run, an organization that provides services for women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families.

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"I want to give back. I am incredibly lucky to be born into a family like mine," he said. "I am so blessed to have an opportunity to use my voice to support something I believe in."

Carter appeared on Ellen DeGeneres' show, where she attempted to persuade him to end his pursuit of the record by offering him a 55-inch television and a year's supply of Ellen underwear. He respectfully declined.

"Honestly, I just want chicken nuggets. I just love chicken nuggets," he said.

Kurt Kane, chief concept and marketing officer for The Wendy's Co., commended Carter for his determination and his charitable work.

"You've more than earned our respect...and the nuggets," Kane said. "His drive has brought about truly honorable, and impressive record-breaking efforts."

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