Walt Zerod, a Michigan Red Baron worker, has put a pause on his GoFundMe fundraiser after the campaign earned well over six figures.
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Red Baron Employee Pauses GoFundMe After Receiving Over $700K in Donations
Zerod, a father of four, released a statement on Thursday (November 5). In the statement, he showed his gratitude to the multitude of people who donated to his campaign. He said that it is because of those donations that he has been able to spend more time at home this week.
"Your kind words have meant the world to my family and me this past week," Zerod wrote in an update on the GoFundMe page. "I still cannot believe how much you have all rallied behind us, and I can never thank you enough. I've been able to spend lots of extra time at home with my family this week."
He also announced that after the fundraiser had amassed over $700k, he has decided to pause the donations on his campaign. He also encouraged those who still felt moved to donate to consider other charities who could use the funds.
"I've decided to pause donations to my fundraiser today, Thursday, November 5, marking one week of your incredible generosity and support for my family and me," he continued. "If you have the means and would like to continue helping others, please consider supporting another fundraiser, a local charity, or a church helping families in need this holiday season,"
Zerod Was Victim of Viral Social Media Prank
To bring this up to speed, Zerod was the victim of a prank when he showed up to work in October. An apparent YouTuber made Zerod the butt of his joke. He approached Zerod in the Walmart where he was storing Red Baron pizzas. The prankster pretended to withdraw money from the Red Baron employee's bank account using his phone. Unaware of the prank, Zerod clearly was not in the mood for the YouTuber's antics.
"My life is hard enough as it is, OK? I don't need this crap," he said in the clip (via New York Post).
Zerod became increasingly frustrated with the prankster and began to explain that he had four children at home, was having trouble keeping up with his bills, and was exhausted from working late.
Arizona resident Luke Oakenshield, who started the GoFundMe, said that he did so because he feared Zerod could be fired over the incident.
However, in a statement to the New York Post, Red Baron's parent company, Schwan's, said that "he is doing well and remains a valued member of our team."
