Dan Whitney, better known as Larry the Cable Guy, has become an influential figure in the entertainment industry. However, beyond his successful comedic career, Whitney has dedicated himself to charitable work through the Git-R-Done Foundation, which he established in 2009. This foundation has made significant strides in raising funds to support children and veterans in need.
The foundation has raised over $8 million to assist various organizations. Whitney founded it after a deeply personal experience. His son, Wyatt, was born with hip dysplasia, and the family sought alternative treatments to surgery. This led to a partnership with Dr. Chad Price at Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital in Orlando. Together, they developed a safer method to reposition infants’ hips, resulting in the creation of the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. This experience laid the groundwork for the foundation’s mission.
To raise funds for this cause, Whitney took advice from actor Paul Newman and began selling food. This idea led to the creation of Larry the Cable Guy Tater Chips. The chips, available in flavors such as “Biscuits & Gravy,” “Pass the Darn Ketchup,” and “Hollar-Peño Popper,” have become a popular snack, helping to fund the foundation’s efforts.
The foundation’s primary fundraising event is the Git-R-Done Golf Classic, held annually in Lincoln, Nebraska. In 2023, the tournament raised approximately $1.3 million for various charities. Celebrities and athletes, including Ken Griffey Jr., John Daly, and Joe Theismann, participate to support the cause. This event has become a major highlight for both the foundation and the community.
Furthermore, Whitney stresses the importance of supporting smaller, local charities that may not receive large-scale funding. The Git-R-Done Foundation focuses on these organizations, ensuring that donations are used effectively. Thanks to low overhead costs, the foundation maximizes the impact of each donation.
Through his foundation, Larry the Cable Guy continues to make a positive difference in the lives of children and veterans, proving that even modest donations can have a significant impact.
Source: Omaha Magazine
