Nearly 200 backers have raised over $12,000 for a Southern Minnesota gym owner who refused to close his gym's doors.

Brandon Reiter is the owner of Plainview Wellness Center in Plainview, MN, an 8-year Army veteran and recently engaged. When the Minnesota governor ordered all gyms to shut down again starting November 21 to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, he refused. The governor and attorney general sued Reiter, which we went to court over. Unfortunately -- according to a December 3 update at crowdfunding site set up on his behalf -- he lost his court case. Not giving up, he's still looking into his options to "save his life's dream of running a gym and provide the necessities of life for himself." In the meantime, the bills are starting to mount, and a crowdfunding campaign has been set up on his behalf. As of writing over $12,000 have been donated by nearly 200 backers. Donations have ranged from $5 to $100.

"Fight the good fight of faith and in this case freedom," said one donator.

"Thank you for fighting for the freedoms of the American people. God bless you and your family," thanked another.

"We support you 100%," encouraged a third. "Win this fight!!!"

As of November 24, 2020 the State of Minnesota reported 48 "outbreaks" at gyms and fitness centers across Minnesota attributing to 747 coronavirus cases, according to a letter sent to the Governor by Anytime Fitness, Snap Fitness and the Rochester Athletic Club. The letter points out that the state has not defined "outbreak" and has offered confusing or misleading information. A letter to members from Snap Fitness also points out that the 747 confirmed cases only amount to an infection rate of .003.

You can follow along with Reiter's story and donate to his campaign here.

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