Last week, Right to Work legislation passed in Michigan, ending a union stranglehold on public and private workers. Of course, the unions did not go quietly, protesting in Lansing, Michigan’s state capitol causing damage both to people and property. In the cast of Lansing’s Clinton Tarver, known as the “Hot Dog Guy,” the community has come together to help him get his business reopened.

During the protest, Tarver was hired by Americans for Prosperity to cater in their tent, which placed him in the tent when it was torn down. Tarver was among those trapped inside, his gear was trampled and his supplies were destroyed. “I kept explaining that I was just here to do a job, that I wasn’t on anybody’s side, but when people started calling me racial slurs, my friend who works at the Capitol told me I had to get out of there, so I crawled out,” said Tarver, who is black. The community pulled together to support Tarver and get him back on his feet.

An online fundraiser was set up, which has already raised more than $33,000. Senator Joe Humes and Americans for Prosperity are also reportedly reimbursing Tarver. “I had no idea so many people cared about ‘the hot dog guy,’” Tarver said. In the wake of this financial assistance, he has pledged to pay it forward. “I’m going to get a brand new cart,” he said. “And I have a sick sister, so I’m going to help her out and I’m going to help my church too.” In addition, he plans to start a hot dog franchise, helping others learn the business and get through the red tape involved in classes, certification, and other legal hoops.

While this could have been a career-ending event for Tarver, Americans around the country came together to make his business stronger than ever.

Amelia Hamilton

Amelia is a blogger and author of children's book One Nation Under God: A Book for Little Patriots. A lifelong writer and patriot, Amelia also loves dogs, Red Wing hockey, old cars, old movies, and apple juice. She has a master’s degree in both english and 18th century history from University of St Andrews in Scotland. You can find her on Twitter as @AmeliaHammy

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