Barstool Sports’s Dave Portnoy shared an emotional video of a small business owner who is one of many across the country struggling with coronavirus lockdowns.
“One of the most genuine reactions you will see from the owner of Siebert’s Clothing in Jasper, Indiana,” Barstool said in a tweet of the video.
One of the most genuine reactions you will see from the owner of Seiberts Clothing in Jasper, Indiana #BarstoolFund pic.twitter.com/ZTSfzp8My6
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 29, 2020
“I’m going to start crying, Dave,” James Siebert, owner of Siebert’s Clothing in Jasper, Indiana, said during the interview.
“Crying gets you more donations,” Portnoy said. “People get to see how moved you’re going to feel; I love it.”
Siebert’s store was founded in 1992 and will now be run by a fourth generation member of the family, Siebert’s daughter Rachel Siebert.
“It looks like she’s ready to take over now!” Portnoy said after Rachel Siebert moved her father in the video so he could get a better connection for the call. “She’s kinda bossing you around a little bit.”
“She’s in charge because she’s a hard-headed woman like her mother,” Jim Siebert responded.
Portnoy launched a campaign to raise funds for small businesses across the country that have suffered since lockdowns were implemented. So far, the fund has gathered over $10 million for those businesses, including Siebert’s.
Portnoy’s interview with Siebert has been lauded on social media, as well as the funds raised, including by quarterback star Tom Brady who said he would donate to the fund.
“This is awesome Dave. Count me in,” Brady wrote on Twitter.
This is awesome Dave. Count me in. https://t.co/9vCFrXxocy
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) December 30, 2020
This is awesome. I’m proud to be a donor! https://t.co/cIG9smjHVq
— David Wohl (@DavidWohl) December 30, 2020
It appears @stoolpresidente cares more about the middle class than Congress.
The GREATEST transfer of wealth from the middle class to the Richy Riches is happen right before our very eyes. What’s Congress doing? Just sending your tax dollars overseas. https://t.co/345Nc1vg7B
— STOP THE STEAL (@RepMaryFranson) December 30, 2020
This guy just flat out gets it. A lot of stones thrown at @stoolpresidente over the years but he consistently shows he understands a lot more about humanity than his critics. https://t.co/mMojuBH7aC
— Josh Holmes (@HolmesJosh) December 30, 2020
Pretty amazing that a sports and entertainment company has done more for small businesses in 2 weeks than federal or state governments have in 8 months. #barstoolfund https://t.co/pzccbovBSJ
— Bato (@RealMattBarbato) December 30, 2020
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