SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word football program has partnered with former Oakland and Los Angeles Raider Cliff Branch and the Smoke Shack/Pig Pen for a fundraiser event on Tuesday, February 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The "Eat for a Cause, Brunch with Branch" event is a fundraising event for the Cardinals football program and it is open to the public.  The Smoke Shack/Pig Pen  is located at 3714 Broadway Street and will be providing a buffet-style meal at a cost of $20 per person.  Drinks will cost extra.

Branch will serve as the guest of honor, and will be speaking at the event and he will also be selling memorabilia.  Fans will have the opportunity to take pictures with Branch and his Super Bowl rings, and will be able to purchase merchandise that include, but not limited to, Oakland Super Bowl banners, No. 21 jersey's, mini Raider helmets, 8x10 photos and official Super Bowl NFL hats.  He will only accept cash payment.

Branch spent his entire 14-year NFL career with the Raiders franchise winning three Super Bowl rings in Super Bowl XI, XV and XVIII.  He caught three passes for 20 yards in Super Bowl XI, five for 62 yards and two touchdowns in Super Bowl XV and six passes for 94 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl XVIII.  He made four Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro three times in his career.  He retired in 1985 with 501 receptions for 8,685 yards and 67 touchdowns.

UIW head football coach Larry Kennan was on the Raiders coaching staff as the quarterbacks coach in Super Bowl XVIII.

About the Smoke Shack/ Pig Pen

The Smoke Shack started off as a BBQ food truck that parked at the corner of HWY 410 and Nacogdoches road in San Antonio, TX. After serving customers solely from the food truck for four years the Smoke Shack has finally opened a restaurant located at 3714 Broadway St. 78209. The Smoke Shack has expanded its menu at the Broadway location and will also offer beer and wine. Opening the Smoke Shack restaurant is a dream come true of the owners Chris and Kate Conger.
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The Congers attended the University of Mississsippi together, where they ran their own BBQ catering business.  After attending Ole Miss, they traveled to New Zealand where they lived and worked in various hotels and restaurants. After New Zealand, Chris went back to his passion, BBQ.  He previously worked at, SMOKE, an upscale BBQ restaurant in Dallas, which fueled his desire to open his own place. 
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