Strangers raise $10,000 in 48 hours for Las Vegas piano tuner after viral video

Supporters across Las Vegas and beyond raised $10,000 in 48 hours for longtime piano tuner Glen Arnett, after a video sharing his story spread rapidly online.

Arnett, a professional musician and stage‑four cancer survivor, has spent years tuning pianos for families, schools, showrooms and even U.S. presidents, yet recently struggled to secure a long‑term rental home.

The fundraiser began when local realtor Jered Jones posted a video about Arnett’s financial challenges. Tens of thousands of viewers responded, asking how they could help. Within two days, donations poured in from across the country.

A Surprise Hidden Inside a Piano

On Monday night, Jones invited Arnett over to “fix a few stuck keys.” Inside the piano, Arnett found an envelope containing the full $10,000 raised through GoFundMe. Jones filmed the moment, capturing Arnett’s shock and emotion as he realized strangers had come together to support him.

“I’m honestly speechless. The amount of love you’ve shown this man is incredible,” Jones wrote after the reveal.

Jones said he plans to keep the GoFundMe open to help Arnett move from his short‑term apartment into a rental home and cover ongoing living expenses.

View this post on Instagram

Piano tuner Jered Jones’ Career Spans Presidents and the Las Vegas Strip

Arnett’s story resonated widely because of his long career and quiet resilience. Born in Washington, D.C., he toured internationally as a pianist for Peaches & Herb before transitioning into piano tuning in 1986, after answering a newspaper listing. He has tuned more than 3,000 pianos, including instruments for President George H.W. Bush, major universities, Air Force bases and Las Vegas Strip venues.

Despite his extensive résumé, Arnett struggled to rent a home because much of his income came from gig work and cash payments. The fundraiser aims to close that gap and give him long‑term stability.

A Viral Moment With Lasting Impact

As the video continues circulating, Jones says he hopes the momentum will help Arnett secure permanent housing and ease the financial strain he has faced while battling cancer. Arnett told reporters the support “saved me in so many ways,” noting that many people do not realize how close he was to losing his housing.

The fundraiser remains active, with donors continuing to contribute as Arnett works toward a safer, more stable future.