LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – As Red Raider fans prepare for the big game against Colorado, several business owners are partnering up to provide a single parent and their child with an unforgettable experience.
“Some of my best childhood memories were going to games,” Wes Wicker, owner of Big Wick’s, said.
Those memories are forever cemented in Wes’s mind.
Growing up in Lubbock, with a single mom, Wes made it a point to attend as many football games as he could.
“I’d go work at Raider Alley and worked for a guy who sold chopped beef sandwiches and usually somebody would come through the line and give me an extra ticket,” Wes said.
Now, he and his wife, Sarah, want to pass on those memories.
This year, the Wicker’s are hosting a raffle before every home game, giving away free tickets to a single parent and child.
“We want kids who wouldn’t normally be able to have that experience to have an awesome experience. It’s really fun because the parent kind of gets to be the hero and surprise them with ‘Hey, we are going to game tomorrow,’ so it’s always exciting to see,” Sarah said.
Wes remembers a time when football tickets were only $15.
The tickets they’re giving away for the Colorado game have a face value of $110 each.
“When you’re working on a tight budget, $220 for you and your kid, that’s a good chunk out of your budget,” Sarah said.
Other business owners are joining the Wickers to sweeten the deal.
Mukewater Outfitters is throwing in free shirts, while Shawn Stephens at Chopped & Sliced BBQ is ensuring no one goes hungry.
“I just wanted to join in and help them out and kind of be the cherry on top of an experience. It pulls on my heartstrings whenever I can do stuff like this for somebody in need,” Stephens said.
Stephens is a single parent. He says he knows firsthand how special those memories can be.
“It just creates a bond. It is not easy going to a Tech game for one. This one tomorrow is sold out. This a great way to gift someone a full day of fun with lunch and a game,” Stephens said.
The Wicker’s and Stephens say they look forward to continuing this next year.
If you would like to enter the raffle, comment on this post.
The drawing will be held at 8:00 p.m.
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