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A Gulf War veteran chained himself to his business in hopes of saving it from foreclosure. He is hoping at least one 2016 presidential candidate will join him in the effort.
“Can you imagine how big it would be if Donald Trump would sit here and tweet out, ‘Take a look at this guy. He’s got a great story and it’s worth saving,’” said Kevin Dumond of Candia, N.H.
Dumont chained himself to the top of the waterpark slide tower at Liquid Planet in Candia, NH on Nov. 9. The park is Dumont’s small business and it is facing foreclosure with the bank set to auction it off on Dec. 2.
“I am doing this in a last ditch effort to save all that I have created,” Dumont said.
Dumont, who served nine years in the Army, said he fell behind on a $1.6 million loan that he took out to open the water park. He said there was some bad luck and rainy years that contributed to the default. He says he doesn’t want charity, he simply wants to work a business deal with someone who could save his business.
“I am not looking for a handout but rather a person, group of people or a company that would partner with me, pay off the bank and save yet another small business from failing,” Dumont said.
The veteran said he is planning on staying at the top of the slide until either his business is saved or is forced down. The nights are cold, but friends are bringing him beer, pizza and are staying with him off and on. Dumont’s spirits were up on Nov. 10, according to his Facebook post. A friend has created a GoFundMe page that seeks to raise $1 million. So far, 15 people have donated $1,070 in the first 23 hours.
“Today things seem to be picking up. News copter are circling overhead and I’m getting lots of requests for interviews,” he said, before asking for some extra publicity. “Let’s keep up the momentum. Anyone know how to get a hold of the presidential candidates? Would love to have them stop by.”
Dumont said in a Nov. 11 Facebook post that he is getting needed publicity to save his business.
“Today was another amazing day. I was fortunate enough to do a lot of phone interviews with many great radio stations throughout the country,” he said, adding that one interview was for the Canadian Broadcast Company that was aired throughout Canada.
Many friends and strangers have dropped by to visit or bring food, but Dumont still wants presidential candidates, especially Trump, to pay him a visit.