The COVID-19 pandemic has left millions without work and delivered a crushing blow to many local businesses across the country. Fortunately, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is coming through in the clutch to help local restaurants in Pittsburgh.
At a time when stay-at-home orders are leaving many restaurants empty, Roethlisberger found a way to help. He has gone around Pittsburgh, buying gift cards from different eateries and providing a source of income at a time without many customers.
As detailed by The Athletic’s Josh Yohe, Roethlisberger recently called up Any Given Sunday’s ice cream shop and offered to help. When he showed up later that day, he purchased countless $50 gift cards worth thousands of dollars.
The future Hall of Fame quarterback didn’t stop at just one place, either. He did the same at a pizza shop, an Italian restaurant and other area businesses. The 38-year-old has reportedly spent more than $10,000 on gift cards for local businesses.
Once he purchased all the gift cards, providing businesses with the income they otherwise would have missed out on, Roethlisberger and his family started donating them throughout the city. They’ve dropped them in mailboxes, spreading the word about the local eateries all across town.
It’s been incredible to see athletes doing their part to help others. Pittsburgh has especially seen their stars come forward with help as multiple Pirates’ players bought 400 boxes of pizza from a local pizzeria and then donated it to a hospital.
While the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home orders have brought people down, news like this is exactly the thing we all need. People coming together to help others in need is what gets us all through a crisis, so let’s hope it keeps happening.