The internet’s massive outpouring of support for Michigan Red Baron worker Walter E. Zerod has taken another wholesome turn after the stranger who launched his viral fundraiser was revealed to be a homeless veteran living in his car.
Luke Oakenshield of Chandler, Arizona, started the “Support a Harassed Red Baron Worker” GoFundMe after a cruel influencer’s fake Apple Pay prank video of Walt stocking frozen pizzas went viral online.
A GoFundMe has been launched for the man who started a fundraiser for the viral Red Baron employee
It has been revealed he is a homeless veteran living in his car despite raising over $500,000 for someone else https://t.co/tnUr042hsQ
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) October 30, 2026
As The Gateway Pundit previously reported, in the clip, the father of four grew emotional, explaining he was already late getting home to his kids, couldn’t pay his mortgage, and didn’t need the added stress.
“You’re probably making money off of this; I can’t even pay my goddamn mortgage! And I got four kids at home. So not funny!” Zerod shouted at the prankster.
The campaign has now raised nearly $600,000, with GoFundMe coordinating a direct transfer after Oakenshield tracked Walt down and connected with him.
Walt himself posted a thank-you on the page, saying the kindness meant more than he could put into words, that his family is doing well, and that he is keeping a low profile for privacy while considering whether to share more of his story.
“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,” Zerod wrote on the fundraiser.
“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.”
Red Baron Pizza’s parent company Schwan’s confirmed he remains a valued employee, has checked on his well-being, and publicly backed him on X with the message “He’s still here. He’s got a fan club. Including us,” paired with a graphic declaring employee-of-the-month nominations closed.
As donations for Walt surpassed half a million dollars, details about Oakenshield’s own situation began circulating, according to a report from Dextero.
His friend Dom Certalic launched a separate GoFundMe titled “Support Luke Who defended the Red Baron Worker,” which has already raised more than $17,000 toward a $24,000 goal.
Dom wrote that Luke is a homeless veteran dealing with relationship issues, unemployment, and PTSD, and that he recently loaned Luke $20 so he could move the car that is currently his home.
“Even in the middle of his own struggles, Luke has a good heart and thinks of others first,” Dom noted, adding that Luke was more focused on Walt than on drawing attention to himself.
The fundraiser’s description states in full:
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.
I had to loan Luke $20 just three days ago so he could move his car, which is also his home right now. Even in the middle of his own struggles, Luke has a good heart and thinks of others first. He was more worried about Walt getting bullied than drawing attention to what he is going through himself. Luke also struggles with PTSD.
This fundraiser is being created to help Luke get back on his feet and begin rebuilding some stability in his life. Donations will go toward housing for himself, getting settled, securing more reliable transportation, and paying off debt that is holding him back. Support in these areas could help relieve some of the immediate pressure he is facing while he works toward a more stable future.
Luke has been going through these struggles quietly, and asking for help is not easy. Any donation, no matter the amount, would mean a great deal. If you are not able to give, sharing this fundraiser would also help. Thank you for showing Luke kindness, support, and compassion during this difficult time.
Oakenshield confirmed that Dom’s account is “100% accurate” and that he started the original fundraiser “because I know struggle, and never thought it would explode like it did.”
Those who wish to donate to Oakenshield can do so here.
The post WHOLESOME: Fundraiser That Raised Over $500,000 for Viral Red Baron Dad Was Started by Homeless Veteran, Now the Internet Has Raised Almost $20K for Him, Too appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
