Kid Rock donated $100,000 to help small businesses during pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has severely disrupted lives, overwhelmed healthcare systems and caused economic losses worldwide. In the United States, some regions are experiencing the effects of financial hardship even more than others. Experts report that Michigan will feel the brunt of the economic crisis longer and more acutely than many other states, as it relies heavily on auto manufacturing, which has been largely closed down.

Musician Kid Rock, who was born and raised in the small town of Romeo, Michigan, decided to help out small businesses that are struggling to survive right now. In a Jan. 4 post on Twitter, Rock offered a donation.

“THIS IS THE AMERICA I LOVE!” he tweeted. “Put me down for 100k. And I only post this in hopes others as blessed as me may be moved to help out.”

In his tweet, Rock shared a link to the Barstool Fund, a small business COVID-19 relief organization founded by Dave Portnoy, founder of the blog Barstool Sports. On Dec. 17, Portnoy introduced the fund on Twitter after entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis challenged Portnoy to “put his money where his mouth is.”

Since then, the fund has raised enough to help 79 businesses, with more than 147,000 supporters donating well over $18 million in less than one month.

Among the celebrities partnering with the fund is Food Network star Guy Fieri. Earlier in 2020, Fieri established the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund and raised more than $21.5 million to assist unemployed restaurant workers.

Several other “big names” have helped the Barstool Fund make a big difference. In an interview, Fieri told Fox News that Tom Brady, Dana White and Greg Little were also involved. Portnoy shared a video of the interview on Twitter.

“GuyFieri fully in on the #BarstoolFund to help save small business,” Portnoy tweeted.

Anyone can support the fund by making a tax-deductible contribution on the fund’s site by clicking “Contribute to the Fund” or by purchasing a product, such as a blanket, beanie or shirt. All net proceeds will go toward supporting small businesses.

Small business owners can apply for financial assistance through the fund at TheBarstoolFund.com/apply. According to Portnoy, the No. 1 rule for applicants to qualify is that employees are still being paid.