Babbo Italian Eatery is hosting its third annual Baseball for Babbo Day of Giving event this month.

All eight Valley Babbo Italian Eatery locations will donate 100% of profits made on Thursday, Feb. 29 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.

The Glendale location is 20211 N. 67th Ave., Suite B3.

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 2022. Babbo means “daddy” in Italian and Ken was that leading figure to his staff and loved ones, the restaurant notes in a press release.

“My dad lived by the philosophy, ‘If you give you will get, and if you get you should give,’” Ken’s daughter and marketing director of Babbo Italian Eatery, Taylor Schultz, stated. “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.

Residents can enjoy a 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 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.

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