Domino’s Franchisee Offers Gift Cards, “Idol Live” Tickets to Jobless

Domino's is giving away tickets to the "American Idol" tour. Kris Allen was the winner.

A Domino’s Pizza franchisee in the Charlotte, NC, market will do his part to offer a little economic stimulus, giving away free Domino’s gift cards to unemployed customers and a pair of tickets to see the Charlotte performance of the “American Idol Live” show tour.

Each of the two Charlotte Domino’s stores operated by franchisee Prairie Pizza has 135 store gift cards and two “Idol Live” tickets to give away. Beginning today and lasting through Aug. 5 or until supplies run out, customers who can show proof of unemployment will get a free $15 Domino’s gift card. The first eligible applicant in each store will also get the two “Idol” tickets.

“We know times are hard,” Prairie Pizza owner Mack Patterson said in a release. “It’s a reality we’re all facing. We wanted to revitalize those struggling with unemployment. Our goal is to heighten the spirits of many in Charlotte, so we’re going to, one gift card at a time.”

The “American idol Live” tickets are to the Aug. 1 show at the Time Warner Cable Arena, home of the Charlotte Bobcats NBA team. Attendees will get to see live performances by the top ten finalists from “American idol” season 8, including winner Kris Allen and popular favorite Adam Lambert.

Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, was hard hit by the wave of bank acquisitions that began last year. Mecklenburg County, which contains Charlotte, posted an 11.5% unemployment rate in June 2009.