RACINE, Wis. — Local restaurants, bars and servers in Racine County are getting some much needed help after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Racine County resident Stan Anderson, his family and neighbors are trying to help keep local bars and restaurants afloat. The “Venmo Challenge” started in the spring of 2020 by a TikTok user. Now, it’s happening in Racine County. Anderson has delivered surprise cash donations to dozens of bars and restaurants and is now nearing his goal of $100,000. 

As of July 6, Anderson has been able to collect nearly $85,000 in donations and has surprised dozens of local eateries. These donations are possible thanks to generous donors who donate primarily via Venmo, a mobile banking app. People donate from across the country, but the majority comes from Racine County. 

He then will deliver the donations to local bartenders, waitresses, cooks and local owners primarily located in the Racine County area. 

"If we can put money and resources back into a restaurant, then that's what we should do," Anderson said. 

Anyone can help by donating to the Venmo fund. The username to donate is @marypanderson and, if asked, the last four digits to enter are 1775.

Those interested that do not have Venmo can contact Anderson at stan@campshutout.com or https://m.facebook.com/venmochallengeracine.