BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Daniel Konopski, like many members of Bills Mafia, was beyond excited after the teams divisional round win over the Baltimore Ravens. He decided that he should use his energy to do good, by donating to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson's favorite charity, Blessings in a Backback based in Louisville.
"When Bills Mafia is winning, watch out, we're going to set records and change peoples lives," Konopski said, "I said I'm going to put $25 there just to keep the good moods going, the good times going."
By the time Konopski woke up the next morning, his single donation led to thousands of dollars from Bills fans. Today, the tally has grown to more than $360,000.
It’s classic Bills Mafia, a gesture from the City of Good Neighbors that started in 2018. That year, donations were made to the Andy and JJ Dalton foundation after the former Bengals quarterback helped the Bills make the playoffs. Since then, other charities and organizations have benefited as well, including BrightFocus based in Maryland, which received donations after a local radio host called Buffalo a "City of Losers".
"Thanks to the generosity," BrightFocus VP of Public Affairs Michael Buckley said, "it speaks to the heart that people have."
Bills fans even donated again following Saturdays game, 100% of the proceeds going toward the BrightFocus mission.
"We support science to find better treatments and ultimately find a cure for diseases of mind and site," Buckley said.
The Bills Mafia generosity is even inspiring Ravens fans to pay it forward, donating to the Patricia Allen Fund at Oishei Children's Hospital. Daniel Konopski says creating positive change is in the DNA of Bills fans. In fact, he's already researching charities in Kansas City to help next week.
"I think that's definitely something me and hundreds of other bills fans will look into for next week," Konopsky said.
