‘Baseball for Babbo’ Gives 100% of Profits to Pancreatic Cancer Research

Babbo’s Day of Giving Benefits the Seena Magowitz Foundation and HonorHealth Research Institute

PHOENIX — Babbo Italian Eatery is hosting its third annual Baseball for Babbo Day of Giving event on Feb. 29. All eight Valley Babbo Italian Eatery locations will donate 100% of profits made that day to the Seena Magowitz Foundation, to fund pancreatic cancer research at HonorHealth Research Institute. In addition, Babbo and Roger E. Magowitz, the founder and CEO of the Seena Magowitz Foundation, will each match funds raised up to $50,000.

This event is foremost a loving tribute to the founder of Babbo Italian Eatery, the late Ken Pollack. Ken was a passionate baseball fan who lost his battle to pancreatic cancer in late 2022. Babbo means ‘daddy’ in Italian and Ken was that leading figure to his staff and loved ones.

“My dad lived by the philosophy, ‘If you give you will get, and if you get you should give,’” said Ken’s daughter and Marketing Director of Babbo Italian Eatery, Taylor Schultz. “Babbo’s annual Day of Giving is one way we choose to honor his legacy and live by this shared value.”

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths with an average five-year survival rate. The Seena Magowitz Foundation aims to eliminate pancreatic cancer, maximize awareness, and extend the quality of life for pancreatic cancer patients.

“In the battle against pancreatic cancer, every step forward is a triumph,” said Magowitz. “In our quest for a cure, we stand united with Babbo Italian Eatery and the local community to rewrite the narrative of this aggressive illness.” Babbo and the Foundation will also be hosting an event that evening for pancreatic cancer patients, caregivers, and the medical staff at HonorHealth Research Institute.

Valley residents can enjoy a delicious meal from Babbo Italian Eatery, dine in, or take out on Feb. 29 to honor the life of Ken and support pancreatic cancer research. There will be an opportunity to further support by purchasing raffle tickets to win one-of-a-kind memorabilia, including baseballs, bats, photos and artwork by MLB legends, Joe DiMaggio, Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays. Donations to the Seena Magowitz Foundation can also be made by visiting Babbo’s donation page. (https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTQzMjQ3)

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.

Seena Magowitz Foundation The Seena Magowitz Foundation. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to the awareness, prevention, and cure of pancreatic cancer. It works to fund the leading edge of translational pancreatic cancer research. The ultimate goal is to eliminate this deadly killer. Federal ID# 20-4751072 For more information, visit seenamagowitzfoundation.org

About HonorHealth Research Institute At the HonorHealth Research Institute, patients have access to tomorrow's cure today. Established in 2005, the institute has become a patient destination for treatments often available nowhere else. Patients arrive from 50 states and two dozen countries. HonorHealth has attracted some of the most distinguished physicians and researchers in the nation, and their discoveries are giving patients new hope for a better quality of life.