The hidden cash craze that started last week in San Francisco has hit San Diego, where it's being called "SD Cash Stash."
That's the name of the Twitter and Facebook accounts run by an anonymous donor from San Diego who has been leaving hints for people to find hidden money.
The first two envelopes stuffed with cash were found at Mission Bay, with a promise from the donor of more to come. Geoffrey Perkins of Ocean Beach was shown on social media holding the $55 he uncovered. On Friday, Martin Vargas and Audra Skalada were shown with $100 they found.
The hints to find the cash are announced on the donor's Twitter and Facebook pages. Those who find the money are encouraged to post pictures and reply to the original hint in order to verify that cash actually was found there.
In messages shared through Facebook, the person behind the scavenger hunt told KPBS they prefer to remain anonymous.
"I am not a millionaire but thought I can spare enough to make someone's day with some random acts of kindness," the San Diegan said.
The donor's inspiration came from the person who runs the @HiddenCash Twitter account, which has more than 350,000 followers. This scavenger hunt originated in San Francisco, and the donor has also hidden cash in San Jose and Los Angeles.
The people following "SD Cash Stash" has grown exponentially over the past few days with more than 800 likes on Facebook and nearly 4,500 followers on Twitter as of Friday afternoon.
The anonymous donor hopes others will follow the example set in San Diego and "pay it forward," maybe by finding a way to benefit charities.
The trend started in San Francisco has also expanded to other parts of the country. A USA Today story on Friday said the cash drops have spread to Washington, D.C., New Orleans and Dallas.
