‘Baseball for Babbo’ Raises $153,868 For Pancreatic Cancer Research 

100% of Proceeds From Babbo’s Day of Giving Was Donated to the Seena Magowitz Foundation 

PHOENIX, AZ — It was a grand slam event for Babbo Italian Eatery and the Seena Magowitz Foundation who collectively raised $153,868 for life-saving pancreatic cancer research. Babbo Italian, a local family-owned restaurant, held their Day of Giving event on June 15.

All eight Valley locations donated 100% of profits made to support life-saving pancreatic cancer research. In addition, the family of Babbo Italian Eatery founder, Ken Pollack, and Seena Magowitz founder Roger Magowitz, matched funds raised up to $50,000.

The inspiration behind the event was to establish a loving tribute to the late Ken Pollack, the founder of Babbo Italian Eatery. 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.

“We were hopeful about the outcome, but seeing the community go out of their way to support my family as well as the greater cause left a memorable impact,” said Marketing Director of Babbo Italian Eatery Taylor Schultz. “The results of the event are a testament to my father’s legacy as well as a reminder of the strength of our community when we come together.”

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.

“We are overwhelmed by the results of just one day of giving,” said Roger Magowitz, Founder and CEO of The Seena Magowitz Foundation. “We thank Babbo Italian Eatery for their commitment to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research, so we can continue to fuel some of the brightest, most innovative minds in medical science.”

Valley residents enjoyed a delicious meal from Babbo Italian Eatery. Raffle tickets were also sold which gave customers an opportunity to score one-of-a-kind memorabilia, including authentic signed baseballs and jerseys and baseball cards donated by Memory Lane Inc., Donated by Craig Councell 2001 Diamondbacks World Series Champion and Manager of the Milwaukee Brewers and Arizona Diamondbacks season tickets.

Babbo Italian Eatery 

Babbo Italian Eatery is a local family-owned restaurant in its 21st 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 is the face and voice of pancreatic cancer awareness. Harnessing collective synergy to defeat pancreatic cancer, the foundation communicates risk factors, symptoms, and ways to reduce the chances of getting the disease. The organization was founded by Roger E. Magowitz in honor of his mother, Seena Magowitz, who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2001. The Seena Magowitz Foundation is entering its 20th year of funding pancreatic cancer research and pilot trials. For more information, visit seenamagowitzfoundation.org.

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