Indiana Restaurant Partners with Fernando Mendoza to Fundraise for MS Awareness

Collaboration for a Cause

• 🤝 Fernando Mendoza, Heisman-winning quarterback for Indiana University, and his brother Alberto have teamed up with Bloomington restaurant BuffaLouie's.
• 🎗️ The initiative aims to raise money and awareness for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, an organization close to their family as it supports their mother.

The "Mendoza Burger" Initiative

• 🍔 BuffaLouie's owner, Ed Schwarzman, explains that the partnership began with an email from Fernando's marketing team, inspired by a similar effort at his previous college.
• 💰 The restaurant is donating $2 from every sandwich sold towards MS awareness and fundraising, with matching contributions from their sister establishment, Gable's Bagels.
• 📈 This effort has significantly boosted fundraising, growing from approximately $7,000 to over $140,000.

Community and Team Spirit

• 🌟 The collaboration has garnered significant support from Hoosier Nation alumni, including a notable $23,000 donation from one individual.
• 🏈 Schwarzman highlights the exceptional character of Fernando and his teammates, describing them as unbelievable young men who are the "real deal."
• 🏆 The restaurant owner expresses excitement about the Indiana Hoosiers' historic football season, noting the incredible energy in Bloomington as the team approaches a potential 16-0 record.