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

PHOENIX — Babbo Italian Eatery hosted its third annual Baseball for Babbo Day of Giving event on Feb. 29. All eight Valley Babbo Italian Eatery locations donated 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, each matched funds raised up to $50,000. They raised a total of $152,654.28.

This event was 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 increasing five-year survival rate of 13%. 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.”

Valley residents were invited to 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 was also 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.

Babbo and The Seena Magowitz Foundation also hosted an event Feb. 29 for pancreatic cancer patients, caregivers, and the medical staff at HonorHealth Research Institute.