In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Bubba’s 33 restaurant in Wichita, Kansas, hosted a unique fundraiser on 28 July, raising nearly $5,000 for the nonprofit Homes For Our Troops. The event featured a rather unconventional method of fundraising, where the restaurant’s managing partner, Anthony, spent hours perched on the roof of the establishment.
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Local store marketer, Kaley Redd, spoke to PEOPLE about the initiative, highlighting it as part of a broader tradition among Bubba’s 33 and its parent company, Texas Roadhouse, to support veterans. The collaboration with Homes For Our Troops, a dedicated organisation that builds and donates adapted homes for severely injured veterans, has been ongoing for over 17 years and has resulted in the construction of more than 440 homes since 2004.
The idea to keep a manager on the roof originated from a previous fundraiser where a fellow location managed to raise $10,000 in a similar manner. Redd explained that the Wichita team aimed to raise $5,000 in a single day, showcasing their commitment to the cause. Anthony made a commendable effort, spending time on the roof from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and returning later that evening from 5 p.m. until just after 9 p.m.
Initially hesitant, the manager embraced the challenge, and according to Redd, he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The initiative attracted considerable community support, as the restaurant donated 10% of its sales that day to Homes For Our Troops and sold water balloons for £1, enabling patrons to throw them at the manager. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees relishing the opportunity to participate in the fun.
In a noteworthy display of generosity, the restaurant raised $1,200 within the first hour of Anthony’s time on the roof. Additionally, local business Kona Ice joined in by donating 20% of their sales for the event. As the afternoon progressed, the local fire department also made an appearance to lend their support.
A friendly competition added an extra layer of excitement, as the Wichita location went head-to-head with Bubba’s 33 in Oklahoma City. By the end of the day, Wichita had managed to raise a total of $4,799, falling just shy of its ambitious goal, while Oklahoma City brought in $4,229.
Representatives from Texas Roadhouse noted that several locations across the United States engage in similar “Raising from the Roof” fundraisers for Homes For Our Troops. Participating locations include cities such as Amarillo and Lubbock in Texas, along with Peoria and Yuma in Arizona, demonstrating a widespread commitment to supporting veterans.
While the prospect of repeating the same method next year remains uncertain, Redd expressed her hope for its return. “It was a lot of fun, and it had a positive impact on the community. I’m immensely proud of our team for their hard work,” she stated, acknowledging the collective effort that made the day a success, despite falling slightly short of the initial fundraising target.
Victoria Weston, corporate partnership manager for Homes For Our Troops, lauded the fundraising efforts as “incredible,” particularly due to the challenging weather conditions. She remarked on the significance of the community’s commitment to support veterans and highlighted the awareness raised for their cause. “Their gift of supporting us is truly priceless,” she stated.
In addition to the successful fundraiser, Bubba’s 33 contributes $1 from each Patriot Burger sold throughout the year to Homes For Our Troops. The restaurant chain also takes part in a campaign called “Burgers for the Brave,” hosting various events every July.
Overall, the partnership between Bubba’s 33, Texas Roadhouse, and Homes For Our Troops underscores the profound impact that community initiatives can have on improving the lives of veterans in need. To date, the two restaurants have collectively donated an impressive $4.3 million to support the mission of building homes and helping veterans rebuild their lives. In the eyes of Homes For Our Troops, Bubba’s 33 and Texas Roadhouse are not just corporate partners; they are invaluable members of the organisation’s extended family.