SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced a new partnership Thursday morning at Syracuse University’s Lally athletic complex. The new type of fundraiser will link Syracuse’s “Name, Image and Likeness” initiative Orange United to 14 local restaurants. The fundraising tactic asks restaurant customers to roundup their change with money going directly to Orange United starting June 1.
“You go and patronize one of these fantastic establishments and you’ll be offered an opportunity to roundup as you’re paying your bill. And whether you’re rounding up to the dollar or you’re rounding up with a couple dollars …Those resources will go to Orange United, and they will help our student athletes,” said McMahon.
Syracuse student athletes and coaches will have involvement throughout the promotion. Mark Haynes, general manager of Orange United said the collective that launched in September has provided SU fans better access to the athletes than ever before.
“There going to be meet and greet opportunities. We’re gonna have the student athletes do social posts also. Post awareness. And also we’re gonna utilize autographed items too,” said Haynes.
According to those involved, the opportunity is a mutually beneficial relationship, generating additional resources for the restaurants, while also helping the student athletes and financially and supporting the athletic program.
“If you think about each transaction that happens at these establishments. And the goal here is to drive more. If you want to help Syracuse athletics … Go to one of these business because you’ll have an opportunity to directly do that,” said McMahon.
It was Adrian Autry, the men’s basketball coach, who came up with the idea.
Participating restaurants include:
- The Emerald Cocktail Kitchen
- Kitty Hoynes
- Scotch ‘N Sirloin
- Noble Cellar
- King David’s
- Middle Ages Brewing
- Trappers II
- San Miguel
- Taphouse on Walton
- Buried Acorn
- Pavone’s Pizzeria in Willow Rock
- Apizza Regionale
