Babbo Italian Eatery is hosting its first-ever Baseball for Babbo Day of Giving event on June 15.

All eight Valley Babbo Italian Eatery locations, including one in Scottsdale, will donate 100% of profits made that day to the Seena Magowitz Foundation and its support of pancreatic cancer research, according to a press release. In addition, the Ken Pollack family and Roger Magowitz will each match funds raised up to $50,000.

This event is foremost a 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 Pollack was that leading figure to his staff and loved ones, the release stated.

“‘If you give you will get, and if you get you should give,’ was my Dad’s quote,” Marketing Director Taylor Schultz said in the release. “This event is the perfect way for us to honor his legacy and live by his moto.”

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

“The foundation accepts the challenge in pursuit of an eventual cure,” CEO/founder of The Seena Magowitz Foundation Roger Magowitz said in the release. “We thank Babbo Italian Eatery for their desire and commitment to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research, done by the brightest, most innovative minds in medical science.”

Valley residents can dine in or take out a meal from Babbo Italian Eatery on June 15 to support the legacy of Ken Pollack and pancreatic cancer research. Donations to the Seena Magowitz Foundation can also be made by visiting the foundation’s website or Babbo’s donation page.