Veteran’s Fundraiser for Red Baron Worker Raises $400K in Return

WHO:

TMZ - Luke Oakenshield, a homeless veteran, started a GoFundMe for a Red Baron employee.

New York Post - The worker is identified as “Walt Z.” and the fundraiser was organized by Luke Oakenshield.

Fox News - Red Baron publicly backed its worker, Walt Z., calling him a valued team member.

WHAT:

TMZ - A GoFundMe Oakenshield launched for the Red Baron employee raised over $500,000.

TMZ - Oakenshield, who had helped raise money for the employee, became the recipient of an online fundraiser.

New York Post - A fundraiser for Oakenshield raised $400,000.

New York Post - Oakenshield wrote: “Walt Z out of Michigan sends a heartfelt thankyou, and is absolutely blown away by how much people have cared over this.”

Fox News - Donations reached $680,000 following a viral prank video involving the pizza delivery worker.

Fox News - The prank video showed an Apple Pay prank at a Meijer store.

WHERE:

New York Post - The fundraiser organizer’s message described Walt Z. as being “out of Michigan.”

Fox News - The prank took place at a Meijer store.

WHY:

TMZ - The employee’s fundraiser followed bullying by a TikTok prankster.

Fox News - Online support followed a viral Apple Pay prank video targeting Walt Z.

HOW:

TMZ - Oakenshield used GoFundMe to raise money for the employee.

Fox News - Red Baron expressed public support for Walt Z. as donations came in online.

(UPDATED October 31, 2026 19:00 UTC)

A viral prank targeting delivery worker Walt Z. sparked widespread support. Veteran Luke Oakenshield organized a fundraiser for Walt, raising over $500,000. Red Baron publicly backed Walt as donations poured in.