Lincoln, Neb. – On September 24, local eatery Muchachos stepped up for the community by contributing 20% of its sales and providing meals for the Husker Sports Network crew that helped run the Team Jack Foundation’s annual Radiothon.
The radiothon, a live‑on‑air fundraiser, pulled in almost $200,000 for pediatric brain cancer research. Owner Nick Maestas said the story of Jack Hoffman resonates with every Nebraskan, especially parents who understand the stakes of childhood illness.
“Seeing their story, like everyone in Nebraska, how could you not be affected and touched by that?” Maestas said. “Now that we have the opportunity to give back to our community, Team Jack was definitely one that we’ve always wanted to support.”
Muchachos’ contribution went beyond the cash donation. The restaurant supplied food for the Husker Sports Network staff who were on‑site to keep the broadcast running, ensuring the event stayed on schedule and reached listeners across the state.
Maestas emphasized that the restaurant’s effort is part of a larger ripple effect. “We are just one place, but if you take a lot of small places like us that do similar things, it turns into a big amount donated,” he explained. “Today has been an insanely busy day for us, and I would rather be packed and give as much money as we can to Team Jack to help do what we can.”
Why the cause matters to local families
Jack Hoffman’s battle with pediatric brain cancer has touched countless Nebraskan families. Maestas, a father of two boys, said the decision to donate was personal. “These are our neighbors. These are the people that live on our blocks. These are the people that come into our restaurant. They’re the people that drive our buses and work our streets in uniform. These are our people,” he said.
He added, “A rising tide will lift all ships. The more of us that can give back to the community the better.” The sentiment reflects a broader community spirit that many local businesses are embracing, especially when it comes to supporting health‑related charities that affect families directly.
Impact of the radiothon
The Team Jack Foundation’s Radiothon has become a staple of Nebraska’s charitable calendar. By raising nearly $200,000, the event funds research, treatment assistance, and support services for families confronting pediatric brain cancer. The partnership with local businesses like Muchachos amplifies the reach of the fundraiser and demonstrates how small‑scale generosity can add up to significant change.
Community leaders praised the collaboration. “When local businesses partner with nonprofits, we see real, measurable outcomes for families in need,” said a spokesperson for the Team Jack Foundation. “Muchachos’ donation and their willingness to feed our volunteers exemplify the kind of neighborly support that makes this event successful year after year.”
As the radiothon concluded, the combined effort of donors, volunteers, and participating businesses underscored a shared commitment to improving the lives of Nebraska’s children and their families.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
