LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Saddleback Barbecue in Lansing announced on Facebook that they helped raise more than $700 for a local teacher's classroom and $500 for Afghan refugees.
But they received a lot of hateful comments from people in response — including threats of a boycott.
Saddleback responded on Facebook: "We want to be very clear: WE TAKE NO POSITION ON POLITICS! As a community restaurant, it is very important to us that everyone in the community feels welcome in our stores. All backgrounds, colors, preferences, political opinions, etc. – Everyone. Period."
The owners — Travis Stoliker and Matt Gillett — said helping refugees and teachers is not a political position. Their statement continued:
"Thank you to the vast majority of you that helped and supported these efforts. You all are incredible! To the people that are angry at us and threatening a boycott, I hope you can reconsider your stance and know that we are only trying to do a small part to help where we can in our community."
The story was picked up by national wire services and broadcast by NBC4 WCMH-TV in Columbus, Ohio, amplifying the reach of Saddleback's community-first message across the country.