Babbo Italian Eatery to host annual cancer research fundraiser

Babbo Italian Eatery will hold its fifth annual Baseball for Babbo Day of Giving on Feb. 25, donating profits from all seven of its Valley locations to pancreatic cancer research.

The restaurant chain said 100% of profits from the day will benefit the Seena Magowitz Foundation, which supports clinical research at HonorHealth Research Institute. The Pollack family and foundation founder Roger E. Magowitz will each provide matching donations of up to $50,000.

Since its launch, the annual fundraiser has generated more than $620,000, with organizers saying the effort is nearing a $1 million milestone.

The event honors Babbo founder Ken Pollack, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2022. His longtime interest in baseball inspired the theme of the fundraiser.

“My dad believed in bringing people together and caring for the community,” said Taylor Schultz, Pollack’s daughter and Babbo’s marketing director.

Pancreatic cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with a five-year survival rate of about 13%, according to national cancer statistics.

Additional funds will be raised through auctions and raffles, including donated sports memorabilia from businesses and Major League Baseball teams participating in Arizona’s Cactus League spring training.

Visit babboitalian.com or the Babbo Goodyear location at 15705 W. McDowell Road for more information.