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(WXYZ) – “God bless you,” Julie said, barely making out the words on a Facetime call recorded with Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports.
Julie owns Salon Volume in Allen Park. When calling Facetime, she found out that her company had been selected to be part of the Bartsool Fund, a fund dedicated to helping small businesses during the pandemic.
In just 10 days, Portnoy and Barstool have raised nearly $ 17 million and helped over 50 businesses.
“These people are on their last legs,” Portnoy said. “You see the wave of emotion that just vanished when we say ‘Hey, we’ll be there for you.’
Portnoy started the fund with a donation of $ 500,000, but the remainder comes from more than 130,000 donors. Each selected company will receive assistance throughout the pandemic.
“If you’re approved in our fund, you tell us how much you need, whether it’s rent, taxes, payroll, and we’ll be there until this thing is a bit over,” said Portnoy.
To date, more than 50 companies have been selected, including Champs Pub in Brighton. For about 40 years, the family business has been serving the exact same burger with the same owner and the same mustache.
“I haven’t seen my upper lip since 1970,” joked David “Champ” Beauchamp. The mustache is now part of the Pub logo.
Although he spent even more money on igloos to continue eating in person, the neighborhood pub was struggling. Then Portnoy called Champ, adding his ad to the fund.
“It’s nice to be recognized for being in business for so long,” said Beauchamp.
“It almost sounds too good to be true,” said Walter Macneil during his call with Portnoy, which was recorded and uploaded.
Macneil owns Mac’s Acadian Seafood Shack in Saline, which has been in business for over 20 years.
“If you’ve seen my video, I haven’t acted very excited,” Macneil told 7 Action News. “I was waiting for the other shoe to fall because I couldn’t believe it.”
A few days after the video call, a deposit was made to the restaurant’s bank account with the Barstool Fund.
“What a blessing,” Macneil said. “An incredible thing they are doing. Incredible”
With more money given, the Barstool fund continues to grow, with plans to continue adding more businesses and genuine videos.
“It’s touching,” Portnoy said of the feedback from business owners. “That’s why I think we get all the gifts. You can’t look at them without having empathy and compassion.”
Shelby Township Premier Sports Center also receives support from the fund.
To donate or apply for the fund, visit Barstool Fund.
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