Strangers rally behind pizza worker targeted by cruel prank, raising more than $679,000 in donations

Walt Z., a Red Baron pizza worker, was targeted by a cruel prank while working at a Meijer grocery store in White Lake, Michigan. After a video of the incident went viral, thousands of strangers and his employer rallied behind him.

The video shows Walt stocking frozen Red Baron pizzas when the prankster comes up to him and asks him for the time. As Walt takes out his phone to check, the person plays a sound resembling an Apple Pay transaction and claims to have stolen $10 from him, thanking him and telling him he needs to buy something.

Walt initially says he plans to report the prankster, and becomes increasingly upset as the person insists it was just a joke.

Walt tells the prankster, "My life is hard enough as it is." He explains that he was already an hour late getting home, his children had already gone to bed without him, and he would have to get up at 5 a.m. the next day for work.

He also mentions that he is struggling to pay his mortgage. As others try to step in, he exclaims, "I don't need this in my life."

The footage went viral on social media this week, as people criticised the prankster and rallied behind the father of four. One X user wrote that there is a guy like him in every grocery store in America, grinding through the shift nobody sees, and that turning one of them into the punchline is not edgy but lazy. Another commenter wrote, "God bless the working man."

As of Saturday, 31 October, a GoFundMe campaign for Walt had raised more than $679,000 from over 19,000 donations. The fundraiser says donations will be sent directly to Walt.

Red Baron also publicly backed its employee. The company posted on X, "He's still here. He's got a fan club. Including us," alongside a graphic announcing that employee of the month nominations are closed and suggesting Walt might be selected for the honour.

Red Baron told Fox News Digital the incident took place in August and involved a member of its Direct Store Delivery team. The company said it had checked on the employee's well-being, continues to offer support, and is working with retail partners to help maintain a safe and respectful workplace.

While internet users feared Walt could lose his job over his reaction, the company said it is pleased to share that he is doing well and remains a valued member of the team.

In an update posted to the fundraiser, Walt thanked everyone who donated, shared the campaign or sent messages of support. He said he and his family are doing well and asked that their privacy be respected, writing that the kindness and encouragement shown to him and his family have meant more than he can put into words.