Proceeds Donated From GattiTown Southpark Meadows Grand Opening Weekend
AUSTIN, TX Oct. 22, 2007 Gatti’s Pizza, LP presented the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area with a donation of $5,000 and 150 new and gently used athletic balls on Sunday, October 14, marking the culmination of the grand opening weekend of the Southpark Meadows GattiTown location.
Officially opening on Friday, October 12, patrons were invited to bring new and gently used balls to the new GattiTown in exchange for a $10 game card, with the balls and a portion of the weekends proceeds being donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area.
“Austin is the hometown of Gatti’s Pizza and giving back to the community has been a primary focus since opening our doors in 1969,” said Gatti’s CEO Mike Mrlik. “Partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area demonstrates our commitment to Austin’s youth and further strengthens our position in the community.”
The check was presented by Gatti’s CEO, Mike Mrlik and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area Director of Operations, Mike Meyer. Joining Meyer were 20 kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs who were very excited about the gift of the new balls and contribution made by Gatti’s. The kids were invited to take part in the gaming experience at GattiTown, while enjoying Gatti’s delicious pizza and buffet following the presentation.
“Our kids love coming to the Club every day but there’s one place that’s tough to compete with, and that’s GattiTown,” said Boys & Girls Clubs Capital Area CEO Mark Kiester. “I cannot thank Gatti’s enough for caring about our kids as much as we do – they are the ones that need us the most.”
Other festivities surrounding the grand opening weekend included live musical entertainment from Albertson’s School of Music, face painting provided by Abrakaddodle Art Education, and Kent Cummings, the “Magic Hotline Magician” displayed his talents for those in attendance. GattiTown Sports Day included appearances by former Texas Longhorn quarterback Chance Mock, the Austin Wranglers mascot, “Trigger,” and visits from members of the Wranglers dance team, the Lady Wranglers. Local radio stations KASE 101, BOB FM, and MIX 94.7 also broadcasted live at GattiTown throughout the weekend, giving away Gatti’s promotional prizes and complimentary game cards.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area (BGCCA) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that, since its inception in 1967 has provided a safe place for youth to learn and grow. Every day across the Austin area, youth ages 6 to 18, many who are overcoming difficult circumstances, walk through the door of their local Boys & Girls Club – a positive and safe place where they: experience life enhancing and character development programs; develop ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals; and most importantly, find hope and opportunity. Last year, BGCCA worked with over 9,200 kids, helping them grow into healthy, responsible young adults. For more information about the BGCCA, visit www.bgcca.net.
About Mr. Gatti’s, LP
The GattiTown concept serves up a unique dining experience combining great-tasting food with family
entertainment. Through its GattiTown and Gatti’s Pizza locations, Gatti’s Pizza, LP is committed to offering its dine-in, pickup and delivery customers the freshest, best-tasting food at each of its locations in eight states throughout the Southwest, Southeast and Midwest. Purchased by Blue Sage Capital in 2004, the Austin-based company ranks among the top 25 U.S. pizza chains by sales, according to Pizza Marketing Quarterly’s 2005 report. For more information on Gatti’s Pizza, visit www.gattispizza.com.
