Sponsored for a 10th straight year by Wings Etc. Grill & Pub, the Michiana-Area Toys for Tots 2021 Softball Tournament set a new fundraising record and brought more Christmas smiles to local kids and families
MISHAWAKA, Ind. (Dec. 27, 2021)—A decade ago, Toys for Tots Softball Tournament organizer Mike Curry reached out to Wings Etc. Grill & Pub Founder Jim Weaver to propose a partnership that has since grown to generate thousands of dollars for children during Christmastime. This year’s efforts raised a record-breaking $23,000 for Toys for Tots, which ensured many area children woke up to gifts on Christmas Day.
Weaver and Wings Etc. had already been sponsoring Toys for Tots events prior to Currey’s softball tournament inquiry, and Weaver said he felt like a sporting event that included local teams and players had even greater potential to make a lasting impact.
“Using our local pubs as drop-off points for helping less fortunate kids is a big deal,” said Weaver. “Adding the dimension of a local softball tournament, and getting local players and families involved has been an even bigger deal, because so many more people participate. It’s a great fit, and we love helping out to make it happen every year.”
The tournament, which takes place each November, continues to grow. This year, team submissions maxed out with 25 men’s teams and 25 co-ed teams, totaling over 560 players.
Each team paid to enter the tournament, and each team member was given a $5 “Wing Nut Buck” coupon for use at local Wings Etc. pubs as a “thank you.” Winning teams in both men’s and co-ed divisions received a $175 gift card. Second place teams received a $100 gift card, third place received a $75 gift card, and fourth place received a $50 gift card. A banquet for the top teams was held at the Wings Etc. location in Osceola, Ind.
Over the past 10 years, the tournament has raised over $100,000 for Toys for Tots.
“We do this for the kids,” said Weaver. “Part of Wings Etc.’s mission is to give back, and we do that through partnerships such as this. The more we raise, the more local children and families are served. Our goal is to help as many as possible during the Christmas season.”
About the Wings Etc. Grill & Pub Franchise Opportunity
Founded in 1994 by Jim Weaver in the South Bend, Indiana, area, Wings Etc. is a family-friendly grill and pub with a diverse menu featuring award-winning jumbo Buffalo wings, over 20 signature sauces and rubs, premium burgers, wraps, salads, appetizers, sandwiches, subs, kids meals, over 40 domestic and craft beer selections in bottles and on tap, dozens of large HDTVs tuned to sports programming, and a casual, non-corporate-y, laid-back “vibe” that makes people want to just come in and hang out. In addition to its popular sports programming, menu, and beverage options, Wings Etc. offers weekday lunch and food specials, online ordering, and much more.
Franchising since 2004, Wings Etc. Grill & Pub has been named one of Restaurant Business Magazine’s “Future Franchises,” has been named one of Franchise Gator’s “Top 100 Franchises” for several years, and was named a 2020 “Culture 100 Best of the Best” franchise by Franchise Business Review. In June 2021, Wings Etc. was named a “Top 200 Food Franchise” and a “Top 500 North American Franchise” by Entrepreneur Magazine. Wings Etc. continues to grow and succeed by partnering with franchise operators who share the Wings Etc. Vision, Mission, and Values, a commitment to building a successful business while helping build stronger communities and people (and to having fun!).
Wings Etc. offers single and multi-unit franchise options. The initial franchise fee is $39,500, with a $200,000 liquid cash investment, and $500,000 minimum net worth requirement for interested prospects. Wings Etc. offers one of the lowest startup costs and break-even franchise opportunities in the full-service restaurant segment. Priority growth markets include Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Alabama and Florida.
For more information about the Wings Etc. franchise opportunity, visit www.wingsetcfranchise.com.