‘Grub for Gators’ Serves Up Support for University of Houston-Downtown Students
Restaurants Contribute to University’s Gator Emergency Fund
By Mike Emery
This semester, community members stepped up to the plate to support University of Houston-Downtown students affected economically by the coronavirus.
Soon, local eateries will be serving up plates that further help UHD’s Gators accomplish their academic goals.
During the week of May 18 - 24, Houston-area restaurants will participate in “Grub for Gators,” a fundraising initiative benefitting UHD students challenged by the pandemic. Each day, a featured “Grub for Gators” restaurant will contribute a percent of its sales to UHD’s Gator Emergency Fund, which assists students with expenses incurred as a result of the Coronavirus (rent, utility bills, groceries, tuition and more). Patrons should inform participating restaurants that they are supporting “UHD Grub for Gators” when placing orders.
“We are grateful that restaurants throughout the Greater Houston Area recognize the challenges faced by our students,” said UHD President, Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz. “Their support will not only make a difference for our Gators but will ultimately impact the region. When our students succeed, it’s a win for Houston and for Texas. I thank those businesses who have joined UHD in the ‘Grub for Gators’ initiative.”
Both Houston's Downtown District and Historic Market Square also are supporting this initiative during the free Virtual Blanket Bingo on Thursday, May 21. During this online game of Bingo, participants will have the opportunity to contribute to the Gator Emergency Fund.
A list of “Grub for Gators” restaurants and the designated dates that proceeds will be applied to the Gator Emergency Fund is below. A map of where these businesses are located also is available.:
Monday, May 18
Gringo’s (Spirit Day) - 12330 Southwest Fwy, Stafford
281-980-7482
Patrons can mention "UHD Grub for Gators" or present this flyer (on cell phone or printed out) or when ordering.
Bullritos (Charitibull Event) – 2617 Underwood Dr., La Porte
281-842-7900
Patrons can mention "UHD Grub for Gators" or present this flyer (on cell phone or printed out) when ordering.
Tuesday, May 19
Fuddruckers - 7511 FM 1960 West
281-469-6476
Wednesday, May 20
King's Court - 903 Hutchins St.
(281) 974-3496
Thursday, May 21
Hitter’s BBQ & Catering - 12829 Westheimer Rd.
832-328-7796
Friday, May 22
Saint Arnold Brewing Company - 2000 Lyons Rd.
713-686-9494
Sunday, May 24 – noon to 8 p.m.
Raising Cane’s - 9527 Broadway, Pearland
281-993-5171
UHD launched the Gator Emergency Fund in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) to take some of the pressures off students during this pandemic. By supporting students’ expenses, the fund ultimately allows them to focus on their health and academic studies.
Both “Grub for Gators” and the Gator Emergency Fund complement UHD’s other efforts to help students. These include providing computers for online courses and summer scholarships to cover up to two courses this summer.
“Our students’ strength in the face of COVID-19 is indeed inspiring,” said President Muñoz. “These are uncertain times, but our Gators can count on one thing during this pandemic … the support of both their University and the community.”
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
