DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A De Pere bar is getting a little extra help to stay afloat during the pandemic from a national digital media company that’s giving money to local businesses all across the country.
For Kerry Counard , owner of The Abbey, the pandemic has caused some sleepless nights.
“I’m a former athlete that just runs a business. I just want to run a business.”
But now, Counard tells FOX 11 he can get some sleep, knowing he can keep his business going. Thanks to something called the Barstool Fund.
“It’s certainly given me more optimism that we’re going to survive.”
The founder of Barstool Sports, Dave Portnoy, created the fund to help small businesses just like The Abbey. And, in just under two weeks, they’ve raised over 9 million dollars.
Portnoy told Fox 11, “we wanted a proven successful business that was running and the only thing that changed it was the pandemic.”
Portnoy wanted to help, because he knows what it’s like to be a small business owner.
“Barstool was a small business,” said Portnoy, “I dedicated close to two decades of my life to it now and if the pandemic hit 10 years ago or right when Barstool was starting to turn the corner, I would’ve basically lost my life’s work of 10 years.”
The Abbey was one of the first six business selected to be supported by the Barstool Fund. Now they’re helping over 40 businesses all across the country.
“I’m in my little corner in my bar in De Pere,” said Counard, “and people want to know why would he choose a bar in De Pere?”
Since the pandemic The Abbey has adapted to stay open with offering carry-out and staying active on social media. They also created pay-it-forward initiatives to help those on the frontlines.
“We’re looking for people like The Abbey, like Kerry,” said Portnoy, “It’s a single bar, he’s put his life’s work into it. He’s done everything. He’s given back to the community.”
And now, Counard just wants people to continue supporting small businesses.
“The little guys need your help. It might be The Abbey, if it’s not The Abbey, it’s just some small business that needs your help,” said Counard, “so if you can buy a gift certificate or help in some small way.”
Find out more about Barstool Fund here.
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