By now of course nearly everyone is familiar with the “The Jello Shot Challenge” that went viral at Rocco’s Pizza Cantina in Omaha last week. Thanks to the overwhelming fan support and a competitive party streak from Arkansas Razorback Baseball and Ole Miss fans what started as simply a way to add more fun to watching the game has now evolved into an opportunity for two local business owners to give back to those less fortunate.
Thanks to the overwhelming support, Kevin and Bonnie Culjat, owners of Rocco’s have decided to donate $2 for every Jell-O shot that has (and will) be purchased by each school’s fans to the Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry at the University of Arkansas, and Grove Grocery at Ole Miss. To date Arkansas fans have bought a whopping 7,399 jello shots vs. 5,927 jello shots from Ole Miss. Will they hit the Hogs hit the 10K mark during tonight’s game?
In a statement from Rocco’s official Facebook page, the small business owners discuss hardships they dealt with during the pandemic and how they understand that there are still many people struggling to get their lives back in order. Thanks to the overwhelming support from fans it’s inspired them to give back, and as both an Arkansan and a Razorback fan, I can’t think of a better more recent example of generosity that’s come out of a college baseball game in quite some time. Tonight’s semi-final rematch between Ole Miss and the Arkansas Razorbacks will not just help determine which school has the largest fanbase right now in Omaha but it will determine whether or not Arkansas returns home or continues into the 2nd bracket of the College World Series.
After a disappointing 13-5 loss against Ole Miss on Monday, they come into tonight’s game as a slight underdog, all jello shots aside. However after clobbering Auburn 11-1 on Tuesday to stay alive in the series it feels like anything could be possible for the Diamond Hogs. If Ole Miss continues on their streak and pulls out a win tonight they continue to the final game of the CWS on Saturday. If they lose against the Razorbacks tonight, they will play them oncemore on Thursday night, which will mean even more jello shots.
Tonight’s rematch will play on ESPN at 6 pm CST. Of course, if you’re in Omaha remember to buy a jello shot at Rocco’s and order at least a dozen or more for us here at AY.
Image Courtesy of Rocco’s Pizza Cantina
