Michigan Red Baron Worker Pauses Fundraiser After More Than $787,000 Raised, Declines Interviews
On November 5, Walt Z., a Red Baron frozen-pizza stocking worker at a Meijer store in White Lake, in Oakland County, Michigan, posted an update on the GoFundMe campaign page for him, announcing that the fundraiser, which has raised more than $787,000, would pause donations that day, and that he would no longer make public statements or give interviews as he returns to family life. It is the latest development in a story that drew attention across social media.
Walt Z. is a father of four. In August, while he was stocking a freezer case, a man filming him pretended to steal $10 from his phone using a fake Apple Pay sound; no money actually changed hands. After the video went viral in late October, Luke Oakenshield of Arizona, a stranger who had never met him, launched the GoFundMe campaign titled "Support a Harassed Red Baron Worker" on October 27. When GSM last reported the story, the campaign total stood at $761,514.
According to Dexerto, Walt wrote in his November 5 update on the campaign page that the fundraiser had collected more than $787,000 from more than 22,000 donations, and that donations would be paused on Thursday, November 5, exactly one week after the internet began rallying behind him. "Your kind words have meant the world to my family and I this past week. I still cannot believe how much you have all rallied behind us, and I can never thank you enough," he wrote. He added that he had been able to spend extra time at home with his family this week.
On whether to tell his story publicly, which he had previously been considering, Walt made his decision clear in the update. "After giving it a lot of thought, I've decided not to participate in any interviews. My family's safety and privacy come first, and I feel this is the best decision for us," he wrote. He also announced that this would be his final public update, as he prepares to spend the holiday season with his family.
Walt also asked supporters who still want to help to direct their generosity elsewhere: "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." Of Oakenshield, who started the campaign, he wrote that he has stayed in touch with Luke and looks forward to continuing that friendship.
He closed the update by writing: "Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and for making my family feel so supported. We will never forget it." The total shown on the campaign page reflects pledges, with actual transfer subject to the platform's processing.
Source: GoFundMe
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 密歇根州Warren的Meijer门店资料图（公共领域，经Wikimedia Commons），非事发门店
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- 2026-11-05Michigan Red Baron Worker Pauses Fundraiser After More Than $787,000 Raised, Declines InterviewsThis story
