Lions Thrill Kids At Golden Corral
Published on April 12, 2007 under World Indoor Football League 2 (WIFL 2)
Columbus Lions News Release
COLUMBUS, GA, April 11 -- The families of Susie Rainey, Bonnie Bellamy and Army Spc. Teness McDaniels all have two things have common -- they love the food and bargain prices at Golden Corral's Tuesday "Kids Nights," and they can't wait till they see the Columbus Lions play indoor football in person at the Civic Center, either this Saturday or at their next home games in May.
Five Lions starters (wide receiver Silas Daniels, defensive back Brandon Williams, defensive linemen Omar Billy and Michael Stewart and running back Eugene Goodman) joined defensive coordinator Norbert Sullivan in greeting, signing autographs and handing out Lions t-shirts to customers of the popular Manchester Expressway restaurant last night.
Rainey and her husband Bud watched as daughters Savannah (10) and Alex (8) gradually overcame their shyness and met the big professional football players. The Smiths Station family are Kids Night regulars at Golden Corral. "We try to come every Tuesday. It's great that the Lions have taken the time to be here for the customers," said Susie. "We haven't been to a game yet, but definitely plan to take the girls soon."
Bonnie Bellamy is already a fan of both organizations. She and husband Dennis, four children and two grandsons have been Phenix City neighbors of Sullivan for almost 40 years after moving here from Tampa. Bonnie said "We come to Golden Corral all the time. It's a great place, and they do a lot for many different organizations. With the Lions here tonight, it's that much better. I've seen their ads on TV, and we plan to come Saturday night. We love football, and the indoor game's going to be something different for us."
The Bellamy's are clearly a football family. Bonnie revealed that years ago, Dennis turned down a full football scholarship to Auburn to join the military, and that brother-in-law Ronnie Bellamy was a defensive end for the Tigers in the mid-1970's. Noting the #4 patch on all the Lions jerseys, a tribute to Daytona Beach Thunder player Javan Camon, she said "It just touched my heart when I heard about the player who loved football so much and was killed playing against Columbus."
Specialist McDaniels is one of five food inspectors at Ft. Benning whose fiancé Michael Pyles has just shipped out to Iraq with the 3rd Brigade. The Jacksonville, Florida native brought her youngsters, Gregory (8) and Darius (4) out of a sense of familiarity at Golden Corral. "We usually come here with Michael, and even though he's gone, the kids still feel like he's here. I have day care on post for them while I work ten hours a day, so it's great for them to meet the Lions players and cut loose a little. We haven't been to a game yet, but I think the boys will love it."
Golden Corral general manager Lynn Brumbaloe was pleased with the Kids Night turnout and her customers' reaction to the Lions. "I've got nothing but good things to say about the Lions," she said. "My whole staff looks forward to Thursdays when the whole team eats here after practice. These are fine young men who should really go far, both in football and in life. We are very glad to have them here anytime!"
Brumbaloe says that Tuesday Kids Nights run from 4 p.m. till close off offer Golden Corral's famous buffet for just $1.99 (kids 4-8 years old) and $2.99 (kids 9-12 years old). On Thursday evenings, she host the Lions players and coaches as part of "Dine With the Lions", a program that invites the public to join in the team's weekday lunches and dinners at various participating restaurants who are team sponsors. Other eating spots aligned with the Lions include Johnny Carino's Italian Restaurant (next to Peachtree Mall), El Vaquero (Phenix City), Joe D's Que (Summerville Rd. in Phenix City), Burt's Butcher Shoppe (Warm Springs Rd.), Cici's Pizza (Auburn Ave.) and Pizza Hut (Manchester Expressway). Log onto www.columbuslions.net and click on "Dine w/Lions" for more details.
World Indoor Football League 2 Stories from April 12, 2007
- Lions Thrill Kids At Golden Corral - Columbus Lions
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