‘You are brave and you speak for millions of Americans across this country, including in my home state Ohio,” Vivek Ramaswamy said as he opened a box of Red Baron Pizza and dedicated it to Walt Z, the Michigan dad, who became an overnight internet sensation when he resisted the prank of an influencer for a video. Viral dad Walt Z told the prankster that he was already running behind his schedule despite working nonstop, and while the influencer was making the prank video to get views that may translate into money, Walt has four children at home and a mortgage that he can’t pay.A stranger came to raise funds for Walt on GoFundMe and within days it raised more than it set as its target. The funds are still pouring in and are now reaching $700K.Red Baron also stood by the hardworking employee, though many feared that Walt may lose his job. Red Baron Pizza allayed those fears and said Walt Z will be working with them and in fact will get7 the best employee of the month award.“A hardworking dad with a mortgage & kids at home, struggling to make ends meet for his family. There are millions of Ohioans just like him & that’s who we’re fighting for. Awesome to see Red Baron backing him up. We’re behind you, Walt,” Vivek Ramaswamy posted.MAGA social media accounts claimed that Vivek Ramaswamy also donated for Walt though Ramaswamy stayed away from announcing it. The GoFundMe donation page showed Vivek Ramaswamy and Apoorva Ramaswamy as the top donors with $38,000 contribution for Walt.
Vivek and Apoorva Ramaswamy were mentioned as the top donors for Walt Z.
One fundraiser leading to another
The man who started the fundraiser for Walt was not in good financial health, either, it was revealed later; and a new fundraiser started for Luke Oakenshield. “Luke Oakenshield is the homeless veteran who started the viral GoFundMe for Walt Z and helped raise a quarter million dollars for Walt while Luke himself was homeless. Luke is a friend who has been carrying more than anyone should have to carry alone. After dealing with relationship issues and being out of work for a while, Luke is now homeless and sleeping in his car. The reality is that he is in a very difficult place and needs support right now,” Luke’s friend wrote.Many people, however, called these staged and the fundraisers scams.
Walt Z issues statement
“I wanted to take a moment to personally thank everyone who has donated, shared this fundraiser, or left a kind message. The kindness and encouragement you’ve shown me and my family have meant more than I can put into words,” the viral dad said in a statement“My family and I are doing well, and I’m grateful to have supportive people around me. I’ve been keeping things private to protect my family’s privacy, and I appreciate everyone respecting that. I’ve also received a lot of interview requests. Being in the spotlight isn’t something I would normally seek out, but I’m considering sharing my story. Before making that decision, I want to make sure it’s with people who will treat me and my family with care and respect our privacy. Please know that even if I haven’t responded to your message or comment, your support has made a difference. From me and my family, thank you,” Walt said.
