Carson King, a 24-year-old security guard at Prairie Meadows Casino, never imagined that a simple sign would catapult him into the national spotlight. In his unassuming bungalow in Altoona, a hand-painted sign by his step-grandmother hangs on the wall, serving as a reminder to “Start unknown, finish unforgettable.” Little did King know that those words would ring true in his own life.
It all began before the annual Cy-Hawk football game in September. King, an unknown figure at the time, decided to make a sign asking for beer money using a scrap of poster board and a Sharpie. The sign read, “Busch Light Supply Needs Replenished,” accompanied by his Venmo handle for donations. Little did he know that this spontaneous act would change his life forever.
As fate would have it, King’s sign appeared on ESPN’s “College GameDay” show before the game. The crowd around him prevented him from getting his sign on the main set, but the cameras still captured his message. Soon after, donations started pouring into his Venmo account. When the total reached $600, King made a heartwarming decision – he would donate all the money raised to the University of Iowa’s Stead Children’s Hospital.
News of King’s selfless act spread like wildfire. Local and national media picked up the story, and both Busch Light and Venmo, the brands featured on his sign, pledged to match the funds he raised. King’s story even caught the attention of Scott Van Pelt, who featured it on his popular “One Big Thing” segment. Suddenly, King found himself in the spotlight, appearing on news programs like “Good Morning America,” NBC News, CNN, and “Fox and Friends.”
But King’s impact didn’t stop there. Companies and individuals from across the country joined in to support his cause. Northwestern Mutual donated $50,000 to the Children’s Hospital, Prairie Meadows Casino added a $10,000 donation, and DeWitt Construction pledged $300 for each new roof they constructed. Even Goldie’s Ice Cream Shoppe, in King’s hometown of Prairie City, offered a Busch Light-flavored soft serve, with all profits going to King’s Venmo account.
In just a matter of days, King’s impromptu fundraiser had raised over $1 million for the hospital, thanks to the corporate matches and additional donations. His kindness and compassion had captured the hearts of people everywhere, and he became known as an “Iowa Legend.”
Despite his newfound fame, King remains humble. He describes himself as a “nice guy” with a big heart, always willing to lend a helping hand. He is grateful for the recognition and photographs with fans, as it allows him to keep the momentum going for his cause. Busch Light, recognizing the marketing goldmine they stumbled upon, not only matched King’s donation but also provided him with a year’s supply of beer, complete with cans branded with his face.
King’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. A routine background check of his social media revealed two offensive tweets from when he was a 16-year-old high school student. King was remorseful and immediately deleted the tweets, expressing his embarrassment and sincere apologies. Anheuser-Busch InBev, the parent company of Busch Light, announced that they would no longer associate themselves with King. However, they would honor their commitment to match the funds raised for the children’s hospital.
Looking ahead, King is determined to use his newfound platform to shed light on other deserving organizations. He envisions shining a spotlight on various causes around the state and possibly even the country. Although he had entertained the idea of joining law enforcement like his father, his talent for fundraising has him considering alternative paths to make a difference.
Carson King’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when we act with kindness and compassion. From an unknown security guard to a national hero, his journey serves as an inspiration to us all. Join the movement and learn more about how you can make a difference at MMSPLAY. Together, we can create an unforgettable legacy of love and generosity.
