Arizona businesses using boost from NFL playoff game to help LA wildfire victims
GLENDALE (AZFamily) — With the L.A. Rams going against the Minnesota Vikings at State Farm Stadium for the Wild Card playoff game, restaurants at the Westgate Entertainment District are hoping to use the boost in business to help families affected by the wildfires in California.
A couple of buddies from L.A. were having a cold one together at the Wicked Wolf at Westgate Sunday afternoon. Although miles away from California, their conversation was close to home.
”I’m not gonna lie to you. Every time I wake up. I look at my phone, and I’m like, how are the fires doing?” Martin Morales said to his friends.
The destructive wildfires in California are heavy on their minds, but Morales is trying to keep his heart light by cheering on his Rams in Arizona instead of in California.
”I wasn’t going to come, but it’s just depressing out there right now. I was going to go to the game [in L.A.]. You drive by where the stadium is, and the air...it’s just sad,” said Morales.
Due to the wildfires, the NFL moved the playoff game to the Cardinals’ turf, which the franchise worked quickly Saturday to spray paint with Rams’ colors to make the players feel at home.
Restaurants at Westgate are also trying to lift those spirits by bringing out both teams’ colors front and center.
”My heart breaks just because it can be us. It can be your aunt. It can be your uncle. It can be your sister. Just because it might not be happening to you personally does not mean that we should kind of ignore it,” said Jacqueline Giron, the general manager of The Lola.
The Lola and the Wicked Wolf are just two of several other restaurants that plan to donate a portion of their proceeds from game-day sales to organizations that help L.A. wildfire victims.
“They’re gonna rebuild twice as strong and twice as beautiful, so we’re just hoping we can help out with that,” said Baron Gelwicks, the general manager for Wicked Wolf.
Some restaurants are creating signature drinks for Rams and Vikings fans, fixing up balloon displays with their colors and adding more decor for the teams.
The Wicked Wolf will also be having a raffle to help with donations.
”We need the people. We just need them to show up...Be generous trying to give back as much as they can, so we can just give more,” said Gelwicks.
Below is a list of all Westgate restaurants donating a portion of their game day sales:
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