Kid Rock to the Rescue

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

13 May 2008 03:15 PM

His raucous reputation precedes him most of the time, but this next story just might change your opinion on Kid Rock.

The singer may never have pledged an oath to the Boy Scouts when he was a youngster, but he certainly has shown that he can be counted on like one when times are tough.

The famous rocker is making headlines for coming to the rescue of a Florida Boy Scout troop that lost nearly $10,000 worth of equipment to thieves. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Kid Rock was in town for a weekend concert when he learned about the troubles Oviedo Boy Scout Troop 631 were enduring after their trailer filled with all of their camping gear was stolen from a church parking lot.

Apparently, the boys had worked for seven years to raise the money to buy the trailer and all of the camping gear that was stored inside of it. One of the Boy Scout leaders reportedly left it parked behind a local church in preparation for a camping trip to Tennessee. According to police, someone took off with the trailer in the middle of the night and thieves have yet to be caught.

Enter Kid Rock. The singer reportedly felt bad for the scouts and wrote an email to them saying he wanted to help out: "I will cut them a check for the difference and hopefully will allow the boys to make their trip."

Kid Rock's publicist told the paper that the star declined to comment on his gesture but he was "very happy to help out."

The singer's reference to "the difference" in his email acknowledges the fact that several local businesses are also stepping up to donate money to the troop to pay for a replacement trailer and camping supplies. In fact, scout leaders say they may even end up with more money than they lost. If that happens, they say they will donate the extra funds to another troop.

By the way, the paper reported that the scouts are spreading mulch and raking leaves to thank the businesses for their financial support. I wonder what they plan to do to thank Kid Rock? Rake his hair?

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Libby Pelham (12880) 13 May 2008 06:19 PM

I know Kid Rock has seen his share of trouble, but he doesn't seem to be that bad a guy. Ugly? Yes. Bad. Not really.

Michele Cheplic (37445) 14 May 2008 06:15 AM

He's two for two now with his incident and the Waffle House charity function, though that one did come out of his altercation there, but hey something is better than nothing.

cutupmama (2373) 14 May 2008 07:38 PM

I totally appreciate celebs who give to charity out of just common decency. There was a need and he wanted to help, the publicity is just an added benefit - not the sole reason for doing it!

Michele Cheplic (37445) 15 May 2008 04:20 AM

I don't think he did it for the publicity at all. But when you are famous it's inevitable that things will leak---good and bad. I think he did a great thing and I'm sure it won't be his last random act of kindness. Thanks for the comments!

Lisa P (24013) 15 May 2008 06:36 AM

Love Kid Rock! If you can get over the image, he's got some serious talent.