Arizona Tribune - Willie's Grill & Icehouse Partners With Special Olympics Texas to Raise $12k for Sports Programming

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES WORKED FOR TIPS AT ALL 20 STATEWIDE RESTAURANTS DURING IMMERSIVE FUNDRAISER

Willie's Grill & Icehouse recently hosted a fundraiser that brought Special Olympics Texas athletes from the playing field to the restaurant floor. On December 3, all 20 statewide Willie's locations welcomed athletes to their restaurants for a day of fundraising, which culminated in raising nearly $12K for Special Olympics Texas programs. Customers were offered various options to give during the inclusive community fundraiser.

During the fundraiser, athletes were partnered with Willie's team members to greet tables, help with running food and drink, and collect donations in support of Special Olympics Texas, a year-round movement that provides sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Customers were also given the opportunity to contribute 15% of their dine-in or to-go bill throughout the day by mentioning Special Olympics Texas. Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR®) police officers also got in on the fun and worked alongside these athletes to serve customers and collect donations on behalf of Special Olympics Texas.

Customers were also given the opportunity to support athletes even further by purchasing a commemorative t-shirt. Special Olympics team members were onsite at each location to sell event tees, with all funds raised going toward supporting the organization. Customers enjoyed dining on delicious food and drink with friends and family, and supporting these incredible athletes throughout the day.

"This partnership between Willie's and Special Olympics Texas is an exciting extension of our Community Giveback program and we couldn't be more thrilled with the support our customers showed these incredible athletes," says Greg Lippert, CEO of Willie's Restaurants. "The nearly $12K raised will directly impact the athletes in their respective communities. We look forward to continuing and expanding upon this relationship to make an ongoing impact."

"Special Olympics Texas is very appreciative of our Spirit Night at Willie's! Our athletes are incredible and they love to see companies support them, so for them to be able to spend the evening at Willie's talking to staff, guests, and law enforcement is such a neat experience," Brett Gerber, Special Olympics Texas Corporate Relations Manager, adds. "Working with Willie's was a great opportunity for our athletes and we are thankful for their support as well as all those in the communities that came out to support Special Olympics Texas."

ABOUT WILLIE'S GRILL & ICEHOUSE
At Willie's Grill & Icehouse, everyone belongs. Started in 1993 as a humble burger joint in Houston, Texas, Willie's has grown into a Texas institution with 19 locations statewide, beloved by millions as the family's favorite place to unwind. At Willie's, arcade games await the kids and young at heart, while wide-open giant garage doors reveal ample patio spaces with sandboxes and plenty of room to play and relax. Juicy burgers piled high with fixings anchor the gargantuan menu of delicious Texas comfort food, promising something for everybody. For locations, hours, menus, and more, visit www.williesgrillandicehouse.com.

SOURCE: Willie's Grill and Icehouse

F.Ramirez--AT