MEADVILLE, Pa. -- The Allegheny College Department of Athletics has announced that it has donated a portion of unused expenses from canceled home events in the spring 2020 semester, as well as donations from athletics staff, to support a select number of local restaurants and first responders under a new initiative, "Gator Give Back: Supporting our Home Teams."

With this planned partnership, Director of Athletics Bill Ross hopes to show the Meadville community that the College and its athletics department remains fully committed to our local community. "We understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our local restaurants, and that the cancellation of our spring sports schedules has kept many patrons of these establishments away," said Ross. "By 'Supporting our Home Teams,' we hope to provide a small amount of relief to these institutions, while also showing our appreciation for our first responders who are serving on the front lines every day."

After much deliberation, Ross and his administrative team determined six local restaurants that have maintained partnerships with Gator Athletics. Each establishment will receive funds toward meals for first responders, as well as a matching gratuity to support staff who have lost income due to the pandemic. "We wanted to support our local businesses that have been there for us when we needed them," said Ross. "This is a time where we all need to come together to support one another, which is how this 'Gator Give Back' idea began."

The six locally-owned and operated restaurants that have been partnered with include: Pampered Palate Cafe & Bistro, Smoky Martin's BBQ and Firehouse Tap & Grille on Park Avenue, Mannino Italian Garden on Chestnut Street, Pennsylvania Sandwich Company on North Street and Willy G's Pub on US-19. Each establishment has a preloaded gift card to be used by first responders. They must simply mention the initiative when they place their order and then show proper identification when they pick up their meal. However, each restaurant has the freedom to change this practice as it sees fit, as long as local first responders and medical personnel are receiving the benefits.

"I am so proud of Allegheny's Department of Athletics for stepping up and giving back to our local community when it is so needed," said Allegheny President Hilary Link. "Our athletics coaches and staff are models for the type of leaders and community builders we endeavor for all our students and athletes."

At a time when many small businesses are facing uncertainties, this is one small way that Allegheny Athletics is giving back. Once it was determined that the department was in a position to help out in a small way, it only made sense to feature and thank local first responders. After all, they are the brave people who are continuing to keep the community safe, respond to emergencies and fight on the front lines against this virus. The athletics coaches, staff and student-athletes are proud to call Meadville home and help out this resilient community.

"It's such a great idea," said Laura Mannino, manager and operator of Mannino Italian Garden. "It is something that is going to benefit us in the now. That it is going to aid first responders is truly fantastic. We just feel happy, lucky, blessed and fortunate to have great neighbors that want to do this for us too." 

Another long-time Meadville-area small business operator echoed Mannino's sentiments about the role that Allegheny College plays within the small town. "For the 17 years I've been in business in this town, Allegheny has always thought about the community," said Jason Bakus, owner of Pampered Palate Cafe & Bistro. "This is just one more piece that lets people know that Allegheny cares about the community. [Allegheny] cares about the people in it and the people that are going the extra mile."