By Justin Criado
In honor of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals NFL Wild Card Game Jan. 9, Mayor Bill Peduto and Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley have placed a friendly wager that will also benefit local charities.
If the Steelers win , Mayor Cranley will send Mayor Peduto a care package full of notable Cincinnati food favorites. If the Bengals are victorious, Mayor Peduto will send a care package of Pittsburgh food favorites to Mayor Cranley. The losing Mayor will also be required to serve a meal at his local rescue mission wearing the opposing team’s jersey.
“I stand with all Pittsburghers in the support of our Steelers,” Peduto said in a statement. “I’d like to thank Mayor Cranley for being a good sport and our local food partners for their continued commitment to our community. I’ve never had Cincinnati’s Gold Star Chili but I think it will pair nicely with a Black and Gold victory.”
Each Mayor has engaged local food partners to assist with the wager. In addition to contributing to the care package, partners are donating food that each mayor will serve at his local rescue mission the week following the game.
Win or lose, Mayor Peduto will serve a meal at Light of Life Rescue Mission in Central Northside Jan. 13 from 5-6 p.m. The meal will consist of Primanti Bros. sandwiches; hot dogs and pierogies from Franktuary; ketchup, mustard and macaroni & cheese from the Kraft Heinz Company; ice cream from Dream Cream Ice Cream; and Eat’n Park Smiley Cookies.
In Cincinnati, the local food items include sundaes from Graeter’s Ice Cream; chili and hot dogs from Gold Star Chili; and some delicacies from the Montgomery Inn.
Additionally, the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County have declared Friday, Jan. 8, “Steelers Friday.” A Playoff Rally will be held at Noon tomorrow in the Courthouse Courtyard.
Light of Life Rescue Mission recently opened a daytime warming station during this bought of cold weather for anyone to come for warmth and safety. Hot chocolate, water, snacks, restroom facilities, hats, gloves, blankets, coats, etc. will be provided for anyone who has a need.
