Zachery Dereniowski’s Chantwan post goes viral as fundraiser raises over $100,000 for 51-year-old army vet and father released from prison

Zachery Dereniowski’s (@mdmotivator on Instagram) Slingshot fundraising campaign for a 51-year-old Army veteran and father, Chantwan, has garnered a lot of attention from internet users.

The fundraiser, launched to help Chantwan with living expenses, has received donations of over $100,000. The campaign has a goal of $150K, with 100% of net funds going to support the Army veteran, who served eight years in Iraq. Zachery Dereniowski encouraged the community by writing,

“Let's all come together and show Chantwan the power of the internet and bless him and show him we believe in giving humans a second chance. 100% of the net funds raised will go to paying Chantwan’s living expenses. Be kind and love always ❤️”

Chantwan, 51year old father and grandfather, removed from
prison 6 days ago after serving a 21 year sentence. Chantwan served
for the Us army in lraq for 8 years, and when coming home to
surprise his wife after deployment, he came home to another man in
his home and actd wrongly pic.twitter.com/uiQVs0N4e8

— Ọmọ́táyọ̀ Olókèdé (@Iamkolotayo) July 24, 2025

For those unaware, Zachery Dereniowski collaborated with Ice Cube and BIG3 for one of his recent videos that instantly went viral. In the Instagram Reel, which was shot in Detroit, the popular content creator stopped the 51-year-old Army veteran, who had been released from prison after 21 years.

When given a choice between a mystery basketball and $1,000 in cash, Chantwan chose the former and shared his love for the sport, while claiming LeBron James is the greatest ever. He further revealed that it was his birthday, that he was released six days before, and that he had nowhere to stay.

After surprising Chantwan in the video, Zachery Dereniowski created the Slingshot fundraiser, which has received overwhelming support from the community.

Zachery Dereniowski’s recent viral social media post captured an emotional interaction with Chantwan

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by 𝐙𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐤𝐢 (@mdmotivator)

In the viral clip, Chantwan shared that his dream is to be happy and added that he deserves happiness. When Zachery Dereniowski asked whether he was happy right now, while seemingly referring to the mystery basketball he received, the Army veteran responded,

“I think I’m more happy, because you’re not dehumanizing me. Everybody else has been dehumanizing me. So…”

Zachery asks Chantwan if he can hug him and says, “I love you, man.” Chantwan replies,

“Man… I love you too bro. I don’t even know where you came from, but I appreciate you bro.”

Chantwan briefly reflected upon the story of his life and how a mistake led him to prison. Zachery asked him what he would do if “he could go back and do it differently.” Chantwan said,

“I would walk away. That was hell, man. I’ve never been in trouble in my life.”

The content creator then gave Chantwan $1,000 in cash as a birthday present, which left him surprised. He got emotional and expressed his joy upon receiving the gift,

“Man, where’d you come from, man? Bro. Well you know what I’m going to do? Get off these streets. Excuse me. [Wipes his tears off]”

Chantwan thanked Ice Cube after Zachery Dereniowski told him the gift was from the Death Certificate rapper. The content creator also gave him a courtside ticket for the BIG3 game, while mentioning the opportunity to meet the 21 Jump Street star. Chantwan shared,

“This is my first free birthday, man. Like, when I woke up, I was excited. My family. They left me in there by myself. Love ain’t ever supposed to hurt more than it feels good.”

Chantwan is seen posing with Zachery Dereniowski and Ice Cube. The video ends with everyone wishing him a happy birthday.