Newk’s Cares continues to be OCRA’s leading contributor, raising more than $1.9 million for ovarian cancer research since 2014
Lori Newcomb, co-founder of Newk’s Cares and wife of Newk’s Eatery Co-Founder and CEO Chris Newcomb, was diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian cancer in 2013. One year later, Lori launched the Newk’s Cares initiative with a mission to improve the rate of early diagnosis by funding research and creating greater awareness about the early symptoms of ovarian cancer.
As part of its on-going commitment to this important cause, Newk’s Cares pledged to raise at least $250,000 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) this September in honor of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. OCRA is the largest global organization dedicated to advancing ovarian cancer research while supporting women and their families.
Thanks to the support of its employees and loyal guests, Newk’s Cares surpassed its goal by raising more than $288,000, bringing its total OCRA donations since 2014 to more than $1.9 million.
Throughout September, each of Newk’s 100-plus restaurants nationwide turned teal – the cause’s signature color – with signage, collectible cups, donation ribbons and more. Guests were offered multiple ways to participate in the fundraiser, including donating $1, $3 or $5 in the restaurant, online at checkout or at NewksCares.com. In addition, 10 cents from the purchase of every Newk’s Cares-themed water bottle throughout the year was donated to OCRA.
And, for the first time, Newk’s designated Sept. 28 as the inaugural “Lori’s Day,” in honor of the Newk’s Cares founder who lost her physical battle with the disease in 2019. On Lori’s Day, Newk’s donated 20% of all systemwide sales to OCRA.
“Lori was a fighter, a true inspiration, and we will continue to honor her legacy and mission through Newk’s Cares,” Chris Newcomb said. “OCRA has made encouraging breakthroughs in drug therapy for ovarian cancer, in addition to educating future medical professionals and advocating for patients, but the fight isn’t close to being over. Newk’s will continue to do everything possible to help prevent women and their loved ones from having to experience the devastation of this disease. Thank you to all of our incredible guests who participated in September’s fundraiser and continue to join us in this fight. We couldn’t do it without you.”
One in 78 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year. Some of the common symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, fatigue, difficulty eating and abdominal pain. To learn more, visit newks.com/newks-cares and follow Newk’s Cares on Facebook and Instagram.
Based in?Jackson, Mississippi, Newk’s Eatery is a fast-casual chain that operates and franchises more than 100 units in 16 states. Founded in 2004 and named after Co-Founder Chris “Newk” Newcomb, Newk’s hand-preps more than 50 fresh ingredients daily for salads, sandwiches, soups and pizzas, all made in-house without fryers or microwaves. Its Signature Cakes are baked in Newk’s own bakery. Fresh grab-and-go options are also available, and Newk’s new mobile app, now available on Google Play and the App Store, offers mobile ordering for curbside, in-store pickup or delivery. 2020, Newk’s Eatery ranked in Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Top 200 Countdown” and Restaurant Business‘ Top 250 Chains. Newk’s has also been selected as a Top Food Franchise by Entrepreneur. For more information, visit Newks.com, join the e-Club or follow Newk’s on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For franchise information, visit newksfranchise.com.
