Happy Joe's, 'Wheelers Host "Pizza Bowl" Charity Game
March 2, 2005 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Quad City Steamwheelers News Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa â Today, the Quad City Steamwheelers and officials from Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream announced plans to host "The Happy Joe's Pizza Bowl," a pre-season game vs. the Green Bay Blizzard. The first ever Monday night Arena Football game in Steamwheelers history will be on March 28 at 6:30 PM at The MARK of the Quad Cities.
Thanks to a partnership between the football team, Happy Joe's, The MARK and several local media outlets, all proceeds from ticket sales for the game will go to QC Families In Support Of Our Troops (QC F.I.S.T.) to assist local families of troops serving our country that are having financial difficulties at home.
Starting Monday, March 7, Happy Joe's locations throughout the greater Quad Cities will sell specially discounted ticket vouchers that purchasers will exchange for actual game tickets at The MARK priced at $5 for adults and $3 for children 14 and under. Tickets will also be available for purchase the afternoon of the game through The MARK box office at $7 for adults and $5 for children 14 and under.
The ownership of the Steamwheelers saw an opportunity to address the issue of the families that are facing financial challenges at home while their loved ones are on active duty. In particular, those faced by our local guard and reserve units.
Managing owner Jim Foster sought out the support of Happy Joe's as the presenting sponsor. The MARK, along with local media outlets also liked the idea and signed on. Their support is critical to get the message out and draw a large crowd as 100% of the gate receipts will go to charity.
"Our stores are excited about the opportunity to tie-in with this great charity event," said Kristel Whitty-Ersan, marketing director for Happy Joe's. "Football and pizza have always gone well together. We embrace the opportunity to help support our troops and their families. We hope to see a big crowd on March 28."
QC F.I.S.T., a local non-profit organization, was formed to support area men and women in uniform at home and abroad through a variety of different programs. All funds raised will be used to assist area military families with special financial challenges.
Happy Joe's, founded by "Happy Joe" Whitty in 1972, has 65 company-owned and franchised stores in six states. The company is based in Bettendorf, IA.
The Steamwheelers are preparing for their sixth season of play as a charter member of the af2, under new coach Rick Frazier, a veteran head coach in the Arena Football League. The 2005 af2 season is set to kickoff the first weekend of April, with the Steamwheelers opening their season on the road the following weekend at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Their first home game of the 2005 season will come on Saturday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m., when they host the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings. Season tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling the Steamwheelers office at (563) 324-4888 or toll free at 1-866-STEAMTIX.
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