CRESTVIEW — A fundraiser's proceeds may fall short of the Crestview High School baseball team's $1,000 goal, but any amount helps the program, Coach Tim Gillis said.
Food and fun for a cause were on the menu Tuesday night at Beef 'O' Brady's. The funds raised by team members will go for general expenses, including travel, uniforms and other equipment needed for the season.
Whether hosting or helping clean tables, players did just about every job in the restaurant other than handling alcoholic beverages.
Still, senior pitcher and third baseman Colter Hancock said he’s more comfortable on the diamond than he is working the floor of a restaurant.
“My shift went by pretty fast,” he said. “I didn’t really know what I was doing. I was filling drinks, taking orders and just trying to help out.”
The restaurant's owner, Cliff Longshore, said he is happy to connect with the Bulldogs through booster club supporter and mom Chris Moore.
“We actually have six locations all over Florida, and it’s very important for us when we go into a community like Crestview to be involved with Crestview High School," Longshore said. "Our goal is to give back to the community and support them, and they will support you as well."
As for Tuesday, he said, "it was a huge turnout and we look forward to a continuing relationship with Chris Moore and Crestview High School.”
Gillis said he appreciates the support.
“They have sponsored us for years and bought team signs and stuff, but this is the first time we’ve done something like this,” Gillis said. “We are appreciative of our city anyway, and Beef 'O’ Brady’s has been a big part of our program.”
Moore credited Longshore for approaching the Bulldogs. "He wanted to be a part of the school and the sports things we are doing,” she said. “So we thought this would be a win-win situation.
“We bring our friends in to eat one night and have sports night. We get to socialize with all our friends and families. And they give a percentage back to us.”
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview restaurant welcomes Bulldog baseball players for fundraiser