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Shaquille O’Neal Cooking Fried Chicken Led to $35,000 Employee Relief Fund 2 Years Before Fulfiling Half-Brother’s $400,000 Wish 

Rishabh Bhatnagar
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Shaquille O'Neal Cooking Fried Chicken Led to $35,000 Employee Relief Fund 2 Years Before Fulfiling Half-Brother's $400,000 Wish

During the COVID lockdown, LA Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal continued his philanthropic activities without pause. With a net worth exceeding $400 million and a generous nature, Shaq constantly seeks opportunities to assist those in need. In April 2021, he supported one of his favorite Atlanta restaurants by establishing a $35k fund for its employees. This act of kindness marked the second instance in which he exhibited generosity towards strangers. Just days prior, Shaq had spontaneously purchased an engagement ring for a couple he encountered at a Zales store.

Shaquille O’Neal, a multifaceted and compassionate individual, consistently demonstrates his willingness to aid others. This commitment is evident not only in the aforementioned incidents but also in his own statements.

Shaquille O’Neal helped out an Atlanta restaurant with $35k relief fund

Local businesses and restaurants experienced significant financial setbacks due to the COVID lockdown, and the same was true for Atlanta’s “Restaurant 10” in April 2021. Fortunately, the owner of the establishment had a prior connection with Shaquille O’Neal, who considered it one of his favorite restaurants, as he mentioned on his Instagram.

In a remarkable gesture, Shaq collaborated with General Insurance to astonish Restaurant 10 with a $35k fund for its employees. Demonstrating his humility, the superstar even personally prepared chicken and went out to interact with the dining customers.

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Judging by the reaction of the restaurant employees, O’Neal’s contribution went a long way in easing their financial strain. Apart from the sheer charity of the act alone, the way in which Shaq portrays himself and talks to people is also utterly impressive.

O’Neal is one of the most notable philanthropists associated with basketball

O’Neal’s acts of generosity go a long way past buying random engagement rings for strangers. The Lakers legend has his own charitable trust and regularly hosts a range of events for those in need, particularly children.

The Shaq Foundation also hosts a ‘Shaq-a-Clause’ event on Christmas where he provides hundreds of children with meals, toys, and other gifts.  Apart from helping his friends and family, Shaq has ensured that he gives back to society as well, every step of the way.

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Speaking on TNT around April 2021, Shaq revealed that he always looks to do a good deed whenever he leaves the house. Having donated over millions of dollars over the years, Shaq’s persona goes a long way past his contribution to the NBA alone.

About the author

Rishabh Bhatnagar

Rishabh Bhatnagar

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Rishabh Bhatnagar is a Senior NBA Writer at The SportsRush. A lifelong NBA fan, Rishabh has been working as an NBA journalist since 2017. Before joining The SportsRush, he covered the NBA for another popular media platform. Rishabh is a bona fide NBA Historian specializing in uncovering stories from the league's past. He also likes covering trade rumors and player contracts. Rishabh has written almost 800 articles for The SportsRush and is always on the lookout for intriguing NBA stories. He is also a published novelist and an ardent Lakers fan.

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