Again this year, Flancers Incredible Sandwiches and Pizzeria is going all out to raise funds for Warfighter Sports/Disabled Sports USA, with its renowned 13th annual Charity Pizza-Eating Contest and month-long Raising the Fun Fund-raiser events starting March 8.
One favorite highlight is the fund-raiser raffle, offering $5 raffle tickets, which can win six lucky purchasers great prizes worth $1,000 each.
“Since 2005, Flancer’s has raised more than $129,000, enabling Disabled Sports USA to serve many severely injured service members, including those in Arizona, to rebuild their lives through participation in sports alongside their families, free of cost,” said Kirk M. Bauer JD, executive director, Disabled Sports USA. “Warfighter Sports sincerely thanks Flancer’s and all involved for their continued support,” he added.
“Last year, we raised more than $29,000, and this year, we are determined to reach for even more,” said owner Jeff Flancer. The Pizza-Eating Contest is set for 11 a.m., Sunday, April 14, at Flancer’s Gilbert restaurant location, 610 N. Gilbert Road.
The winner receives $500 in cash, donated by Meridian Bank, and is presented with a trophy by Miss Arizona. The entry fee, at $30, includes a limited edition T-shirt for the first 25 registrants, who must be Arizona residents. Coming out to watch the fun is free.
“There are lots of fun ways to support our wounded veterans,” said Jeff. Buy raffle tickets at the restaurants or online—$5 each, 5 for $20, 15 for $50 or 35 for $100 or more. Prizes include $1,000 cash from Villa Siena Weddings and Events; a $1,250 shopping spree at Norwood Furniture; a $1,000 Fry’s shopping spree sponsored by Tap and Sons Electric, Inc.; two round-trip tickets from Southwest Airlines; $1,000 in dining at Seafood Market, Texas Road House, Carrabba’s, Charleston’s, Red White and Brew, Vito’s, Four Peaks Brewery, Nando’s, Flemings and Smashburger; and a $1,000 Best Buy shopping spree, sponsored by Maddy’s Pool Supply and Service.
Jeff still is seeking a sponsor for a $1,000 shopping spree at Target or Total Wine, for example. “We have great local sponsors who help out every year, especially our Champaign Gold sponsors Ben Franklin Plumbing, Shamrock Foods and Alliance Beverage Distributing Company and others,” he said.
Additional sponsors this year include Surf and Ski, Chandler Sign A Rama, Sam’s Club, UniFirst, Global Bikes, A2Z Trophy, Nearby News, UpClose Publications and Print USA of Arizona.
Have a fun night out. Enjoy the Beer Pairing Dinner, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, March 20, at Flancer’s Gilbert, featuring Flancer’s food, great beer and an expert beer discussion. The fee is $40 per person.
Join Flancer’s Smokin’ Good Times, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, April 10, at Fox Cigar Bar in Gilbert. Sample multiple cigars, Four Peaks Brewery microbrews and Flancer’s great food. There also is a chance to win raffle prizes and giveaways for just $30 per person. For reservations, call Fox Cigar Bar at (480) 917-3117.
“And if you just want to help, when visiting Flancer’s, ask your server to Round Up your bill to the next even dollar or more,” said Jeff. “Loose change making positive change!”
Businesses wishing to find out about being a sponsor or donating to the event, can contact Jeff Flancer at (480) 326-9077, or send an e-mail to jeff@flancers.com. For information, to buy tickets, or sign up, please visit or call the Mesa, (480) 396-0077, or Gilbert (480) 926-9077, restaurant. See flancers.com. For more information on Warfighter Sports, go to www.dsusa.org.