
Viral Red Baron Pizza Employee to get $325,000 Fundraised for Him After Being Pranked
Walter E. Zerod (publicly known as “Walt Z”) is a Michigan father of four who works stocking Red Baron frozen pizzas at grocery stores as part of a direct store delivery job for Schwan’s Company.
In August 2026, a content creator filmed a prank in which they played a fake Apple Pay “$10 received” sound while Zerod was working past his scheduled time. His increasingly frustrated reaction, mentioning he had to get up at 5 a.m. for more stores the next day, his struggle to pay his mortgage, and fears the video could cost him his job, went viral.
A GoFundMe organized by Luke Oakenshield raised roughly $325,000 for him. Schwan’s confirmed he remains employed, is doing well, and is a valued team member.