Babbo Italian Eatery will host its fifth annual Baseball for Babbo Day of Giving on Wednesday, Feb. 25, inviting the community to support pancreatic cancer research.
Babbo Italian Eatery and its supporters have raised more than $620,000 through the annual Day of Giving, with this year’s effort closing in on the $1 million goal.
On Feb. 25, the seven Valley eateries will donate 100% of profits to the Seena Magowitz Foundation in support of clinical research at HonorHealth Research Institute.
To amplify the community’s impact, the Pollack family and Roger E. Magowitz, founder of the Seena Magowitz Foundation, will each provide matching contributions of up to $50,000.
This event honors the memory of Babbo Italian Eatery founder Ken Pollack, a longtime baseball fan who died from pancreatic cancer in late 2022. The restaurant’s name, “Babbo,” meaning “daddy” in Italian, reflects the guiding role Pollack played in the lives of his family, team members, and the community he loved.
“My dad believed in bringing people together and caring for the community around him,” said Taylor Schultz, Pollack’s daughter and marketing director at Babbo Italian Eatery.
“Our annual Day of Giving allows us to honor his legacy while supporting research that makes a difference and offers hope to families facing this disease.”
Pancreatic cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with a five-year survival rate of 13%. While this marks an improvement in recent years, significant progress is still needed in early diagnosis, expanded treatment options, and the development of new drug therapies.
The Seena Magowitz Foundation supports research, raises awareness, and connects patients and caregivers with leading medical professionals at world-class institutions to improve outcomes and quality of life.
“Research is the engine behind progress in pancreatic cancer,” said Magowitz. “Support from initiatives like Baseball for Babbo helps move this work forward each year, fueling discoveries that strengthen momentum toward more effective treatments.”
As Baseball for Babbo gains momentum in its upcoming fifth year — coinciding with the return of spring training to Arizona — the event is drawing growing support across the Valley and within the baseball community. Memory Lane Sports Collectables and several Major League Baseball teams training in Arizona as part of the Cactus League have stepped forward to support the cause, donating signed baseballs and autographed memorabilia from their players for auction, further strengthening the connection between the game and the mission, all in honor of Ken Pollack’s legacy.
Guests can participate in the Day of Giving on Feb. 25 by dining in, ordering takeout, placing catering orders, or purchasing gift cards throughout the day.
They can also donate directly to the Seena Magowitz Foundation, purchase raffle tickets, bid on exclusive auction items and experiences, or explore sponsorship opportunities, all in support of pancreatic cancer research.
Babbo Italian Eatery and the Seena Magowitz Foundation will also host a gathering on Feb. 25 for pancreatic cancer patients, caregivers, and medical teams at HonorHealth Research Institute, recognizing its dedication and continued partnership in advancing research and care.
Babbo Italian Eatery has restaurants in Glendale, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Mesa, Surprise, Phoenix and Goodyear, and a food truck.
Its menu features classic and contemporary dishes, with a focus on fresh ingredients and house-crafted recipes.
The Seena Magowitz Foundation is a pancreatic cancer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to unite patients, survivors, and caregivers with top medical providers, like HonorHealth Research Institute.
Information: babboItalian.com
HonorHealth Research Institute
