Babbo Italian Eatery Dedicates Day of Giving to Pancreatic Cancer Research

100% of Profits to Benefit the Seena Magowitz Foundation and HonorHealth Research Institute

PHOENIX — Babbo Italian Eatery is proud to announce its fourth annual Baseball for Babbo Day of Giving event, taking place on Feb. 26. Over the past three years, this impactful initiative has raised an impressive $417,562 for pancreatic cancer research, with a long-term goal of reaching $1 million. On this special day, all eight Valley Babbo Italian Eatery locations will donate 100% of profits to the Seena Magowitz Foundation to support groundbreaking research at HonorHealth Research Institute. To amplify the community’s impact, the Pollack family and Roger E. Magowitz, founder of the Seena Magowitz Foundation, will each match funds raised up to $50,000.

This heartfelt event honors the memory of Babbo Italian Eatery's founder, the late Ken Pollack. A devoted baseball enthusiast, Ken lost his courageous fight against pancreatic cancer in late 2022. The name "Babbo," which means "daddy" in Italian, reflects the guiding role Ken played in the lives of his family, staff, and community.

“My dad believed deeply in the importance of giving back and creating a cycle of generosity,” said Taylor Schultz, Pollack’s daughter and marketing director at Babbo Italian Eatery. “Our annual Day of Giving is a meaningful way for us to carry forward his legacy and uphold the values he instilled in all of us.”

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with a five-year survival rate of 13%. While this marks an improvement in recent years, significant progress is still needed in early diagnosis, expanded treatment options, and innovative drug therapies. The Seena Magowitz Foundation is dedicated to advancing research, raising awareness, and connecting patients and caregivers with leading medical professionals at world-class institutions to improve outcomes and quality of life.

“Every effort in the fight against pancreatic cancer brings us closer to hope and healing,” said Magowitz. “We are proud to join forces with Babbo Italian Eatery and the community to make a lasting impact and change the future of this devastating disease. Our vision is a world where pancreatic cancer is a chronic, treatable disease.”

Valley residents are invited to support Babbo Italian Eatery’s Day of Giving on Feb. 26 in a variety of impactful ways, honoring the life and legacy of founder Ken Pollack. Community members can dine in, take out, place a catering order, or purchase a gift card. Additional opportunities to contribute to the cause include a silent auction and raffle featuring rare memorabilia from baseball legends such as Mookie Betts, Vladimir Guerrero, Dansby Swanson, and more to be announced. Those wishing to further their involvement can donate to the Seena Magowitz Foundation or become a sponsor to help advance this meaningful cause.

Babbo and The Seena Magowitz Foundation will also be hosting an event on Feb. 26 for pancreatic cancer patients, caregivers, and the medical staff at HonorHealth Research Institute.

About Babbo Italian Eatery
Babbo Italian Eatery is a local family-owned restaurant in its 22nd year. Babbo has eight locations across the Valley (Glendale, Queen Creek, Cave Creek, Scottsdale, Mesa, Surprise, Phoenix, and Goodyear) and a traveling food truck. Babbo is known for its innovative Italian cuisine in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. The menu features an eclectic selection of classic and contemporary dishes, with a focus on fresh ingredients and house-crafted recipes. To find a location nearest you, visit Babboitalian.com.

About Seena Magowitz Foundation
The Seena Magowitz Foundation is a pancreatic cancer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is patient-centric, providing a direct line to personalized care, support, and hope. Our mission: unite patients, survivors, and caregivers with medical rockstars at world-class institutions so they can continue to survive and thrive. Our vision: a world where pancreatic cancer is considered a chronic, treatable disease. For more information, visit seenamagowitzfoundation.org.

About HonorHealth Research Institute
HonorHealth Research Institute is an international destination that is at the forefront of providing patients with a better quality of life through its clinical trials and innovative treatment options. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, the institute’s team of physicians and researchers collaborate with experts from across the nation to offer life-changing therapies, drugs, and devices. At HonorHealth Research Institute, patients have access to tomorrow’s health innovations, today. Learn more at: HonorHealth.com/research.