It’s not unusual for Americans to launch GoFundMe fundraisers when in need of financial help, especially due to unexpected life events, medical issues, and emergency situations. But when Priscilla Presley’s son, Navarone Garibaldi Garcia, started a GoFundMe fundraiser, it sparked a ton of backlash online, not just because of his presumed wealth, but also because of the reason he decided to ask people for some extra cash.
Navarone launched the fundraiser in hopes of opening his own organic pizza place in his driveway. Those who were skeptical of the initiative questioned why he couldn’t come up with the money himself, get a job to fund it, or perhaps ask his mom for money.
He set a goal of $5,500.
As of July 13, he has raised $4,310, so clearly some people support his vision, in spite of all the criticism he’s faced because of it. In the description, he explained what he plans on using the money for. “I have always wanted to start my own business, but marketing and advertising always get in my way,” he wrote. “As well as having the whole brick and mortar shop to add another expense.”
Since his goal is to sell “affordable organic pizza” to people in his local community, he’d like to purchase an industrial pizza oven, which he estimates will cost him $8,500.
He’s not expecting his GoFundMe to cover all of the startup costs, but he is seeking some extra support to help bring his vision to life. “I have 3,000 saved up for this… and the pizza dough and sauces already sourced,” he explained. “It’s just buying the oven that I need to get me started. I would truly appreciate any help.”
But this rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.
People couldn’t believe that Priscilla’s son was actually asking people for money, especially given the level of financial strain and hardship many Americans are experiencing right now. “This is weird,” one person commented. Someone else said, “Your mom has money.” Others called the fundraising initiative “shameful” and “disgusting” and accused him of “begging for money.” So, Navarone decided to address the criticism on social media.
He explained that he’s not expecting anyone who can’t afford to donate to give him money for his pizza business. Additionally, he said that while he might have money, he has expenses too, and could still use some extra support.
“Haters gonna hate… and I’m sure I’ll have to explain this many more times to ignorant people who think I should ‘ask my mom’ or that I have money….. YEAH,” he wrote on Instagram. “I also have a lot of bills, I also have a budget, I also donate to other causes…”
He added, “I’m putting in a lot of my own money to buy this oven. Just asking for help on the remaining bit that’s out of my budget. That’s all.” Ultimately, in this post, he still encouraged people to donate money if they’re interested in helping him launch his own pizza business.
This explanation was not all that popular either.
In the comments, people still accused him of coming across as privileged and entitled for this. “Go get a real job like the rest of us,” one commenter wrote. “Then you can save up for your pizza business.” Another critic said, “Asking people who are probably already struggling for money is diabolical. You rich people have no shame.” One commenter tried to argue that GoFundMe is for crises, not for starting a business. Again, he received a decent number of “maybe ask your mom” and also “read the room” comments.
But several people defended him as well. Some urged people to move along and refrain from leaving mean comments if they weren’t interested in donating. “You don’t have to donate!” one commenter wrote. “He wants to make pizza for the neighborhood, anyone can start a GoFundMe.”
Someone else said “it’s great he wants to do this on his own,” while a few people argued that he’d face criticism if he asked his mom for financial support too.
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