Homeless Vet Raises $500k For Prank Victim, Gets $9k Back

A homeless veteran who launched a GoFundMe for a Red Baron employee targeted in a viral online prank has received his own fundraiser. Luke Oakenshield, who started the GoFundMe for Walt Zerod, has seen his own fundraiser generate over $9,000 towards a $13,000 goal.

The GoFundMe for Walt Zerod raised over $500,000, with nearly 20,000 donations, including $38,000 from Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and his wife Apoorva. Red Baron tweeted in support of its employee, saying 'He’s still here. He’s got a fan club. Including us.'

Luke Oakenshield, who suffers from PTSD and has been struggling with relationship issues, unemployment, and homelessness, started the GoFundMe for Walt Zerod after a viral video showed the Red Baron employee being pranked. The fundraiser for Luke Oakenshield aims to help him with housing, transportation, and debt.

The GoFundMe for Walt Zerod ultimately raised nearly $700,000, with the Red Baron employee expressing his gratitude to those who donated. The outpouring of support for both Walt Zerod and Luke Oakenshield highlights the power of online fundraising and the kindness of strangers.

## Why it matters The story of Luke Oakenshield and Walt Zerod serves as a reminder of the impact that online pranks can have on individuals and the importance of kindness and support in the face of adversity. The fact that Luke Oakenshield, who is struggling with his own personal issues, took the time to start a fundraiser for someone else in need, demonstrates the human capacity for empathy and generosity.

The fundraiser for Luke Oakenshield will help him to get back on his feet and address some of the challenges he is facing, including housing and debt. As for Walt Zerod, the support he received from the public and his employer, Red Baron, will likely have a lasting impact on his life and well-being.