‘Gameday’ attendee who raised thousands with sign asking for beer money will donate funds to children’s hospital

A former Iowa State student who held a sign at ESPN’s “College Gameday” tailgate over the weekend asking for beer money went viral, leading to tens of thousands of dollars in donations.

So much money came pouring in that Carson King has instead decided to donate all but $15 of the $27,000 raised so far to a local hospital, according to The Washington Post.

King, who is currently taking some time off from Iowa State, made the short drive to Ames on Saturday to be in attendance for the weekly “College Gameday” event, which travels to the sites of major NCAA football match-ups.

{mosads}King’s homemade sign written in Sharpie was short and to the point. “Busch Light Supply Needs Replenished,” it read, including his Venmo handle.

King said he was shocked by how much was sent his way so quickly. The total continues to grow as major brands such as Busch along with Venmo have pledged their support.

“I was completely overwhelmed, I didn’t think anything like this would have a chance to happen,” King told the Post. “Especially when Busch commented. I was at a loss for words.”

As the proceeds grew, King said he had a chance to do “something a little more special than buy Busch Light.”

He pledged to give all the money he raised, aside from $15 for one case of beer, to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Both Busch and Venmo have since said they would match his donation. King said his Venmo account will stay open for donations until the end of the month.

“There’s a better purpose for it,” he said. “The kids deserve everything they can get. If I can give it to them, I’m going to give it to them.”

King added that he will visit the hospital at the end of the month and tour the facility while meeting some of the children who will be impacted by his donation.

The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday, 18-17.