PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — Millions of Americans are unemployed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Count golf caddies among those affected; after all, a caddie cannot work from home.
>> Coronavirus checklist: 100-plus disinfectants that may kill coronavirus on surfaces
Even caddies at the prestigious Riviera Country Club in California have been left holding the bag, but a high-profile member has stepped up to help.
Larry David, creator of “Seinfeld” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” teamed with Lloyd Braun to start a GoFundMe page to raise money for caddies.
>> Coronavirus symptoms: What you need to know
“With the golf course closed indefinitely, the Riviera caddies need our help,” the GoFundme page reads. “Please contribute to help our caddies get thru this unprecedented time.”
Larry David is helping raise money for caddies at Riviera Country Club amid the coronavirus pandemic: https://t.co/n1qkT7vEFN pic.twitter.com/31UwmETnAu
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) March 27, 2020
The response was immediate. David and Braun set a goal of $150,000; by Sunday morning, 124 donors had pledged more than $118,000.
According to the list of donations on the page, Margaret Perenchio and an anonymous person gave $10,000 each. Three people donated $5,000, including David, who pledged $2,500 donations two times. Tom Brady, the longtime New England Patriots quarterback who just signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pledged $2,000, according to the list of donors.
Michael Yamaki, a corporate officer at Riviera Country Club, confirmed to Golf Digest that the GoFundMe appeared to be legitimate.
>> Coronavirus: Know the facts directly from the CDC
>> Coronavirus: Can the government make you stay home if you are sick?
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/7QOJU3BNCJERBNKJC5LWTBYFLU.png)
