‘Tailgate with Timmy’ UH football fundraiser grows in second year

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The second annual “Tailgate with Timmy” fundraiser at Ruby Tuesday Hawaiʻi in Moanalua brought University of Hawaiʻi fans together to raise money for the school’s football program and its Name, Image and Likeness initiatives.

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Organizers said the Tuesday night event has already surpassed last year’s turnout, with about 50 more tickets sold.

Tickets cost $100 and included all-you-can-eat food and drinks. Fans enjoyed ribs, hamburger steak, and a salad bar while mingling with coaches and players.

Chef Sam Choy also served fresh poke outside.

Longtime UH supporter Rick Nakashima, owner of Ruby Tuesday Hawaiʻi, started the event last year.

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“It’s that feeling, I guess, of ownership and partnership and and friendship,” Nakashima said. “I’m so proud to be part of the team in this small way.”

Addressing the crowd, head football coach Timmy Chang said, “We do it for our guys, and our guys in return, they do it for you guys. They play for you guys, and we’re proud the way that we can show that we’re proud, that we show the aloha to you, in our spirit and how we play, how we coach, and how we go about our day. We do it for you guys.”

Organizers said fans are already asking about next year’s event and that it helps build excitement ahead of the season.

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Those who did not attend can still donate at HawaiiAthletics.com.

The Rainbow Warriors are set to open fall camp next Wednesday.