Iconic fast-casual restaurant brand activates Newk’s Cares fundraising drive throughout September in honor of co-founder’s late wife
Since 2014, Newk’s Eatery and its guests have raised more than $2.3 million in an effort to battle the disease that takes the lives of more than 13,000 women in America every year.
The fight continues this September – Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – when the 9th Annual Newk’s Cares fundraiser returns to all Newk’s locations across the nation.
The fundraising effort honors the life and fight of Lori Newcomb, who succumbed to the disease in 2019. Lori was the founder of Newk’s Cares and beloved wife of Newk’s Eatery Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Chris Newcomb. Lori’s daughter Madison Newcomb has picked up where her mother left off, leading the battle against ovarian cancer through Newk’s Cares.
Newk’s Cares mission is to improve the rate of early diagnosis by funding research and creating greater awareness about the early symptoms of ovarian cancer by educating women and their families. We have partnered with Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, to one day find a cure by funding research grants and vital genetic testing.
“The month of September is so important to the entire Newk’s and Newcomb Family’s,” said Madison. “My mom’s spirit lives through all of us and Newk’s Cares is the greatest extension of that as we continue to honor her passion and legacy. Her main mission with Newk’s Cares was to one day find a cure while also educating women and their families on the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, which is what we strive to do every day. My family would like to thank all our guests, donors and all Newk’s Eatery restaurants for their continued support as we look forward to our most successful fundraiser yet!”
Throughout September, each of Newk’s 99 restaurants nationwide will turn teal – ovarian cancer awareness signature color – with signage, collectible cups, donation ribbons and more. Guests will be offered multiple ways to participate, including donating $1, $3 or $5 in the restaurant, online at checkout or on NewksCares.com.
Newk’s will also hold its annual Lori’s Day on Sept. 26, during which all Newk’s Eatery locations will donate 20% of their sales to Newk’s Cares. In addition to the monthlong fundraising drive, 10 cents from the purchase of every Newk’s Cares-themed water bottle throughout the year is donated to Newk’s Cares.
One in 78 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year. Some common symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, fatigue, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. To learn more or donate to Newk’s Cares, 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 just under 100 units in 15 states. Founded in 2004 and named after Co-Founder Chris “Newk” Newcomb, Newk’s offers salads, sandwiches, soups, and pizzas, all made in-house without fryers or microwaves. 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. In 2020, Newk’s 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. In 2021, Newk’s was recognized in Nation’s Restaurant’s News as a “Top Scorer in Takeout Food Quality” and ranked among the highest “True Loyalty” scores –the percentages of respondents who said they visit because of a real desire to experience the brand, as opposed to convenience. For more information, visit Newks.com, join Newk’s Rewards or follow Newk’s on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. For franchise information, visit newksfranchise.com.
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) is the largest non-government funder of ovarian cancer research and has invested $110 million in research since its founding. OCRA fights ovarian cancer from all fronts, including in the lab and on Capitol Hill, and through innovative programs to support patients and their families. OCRA’s ongoing investments in the most promising scientific research is funding discoveries, creating new treatments, and hastening desperately needed breakthroughs. OCRA is the voice for the ovarian cancer community, working with legislators to ensure federal ovarian cancer research and education, patient safety, and access to high-quality care are protected on Capitol Hill. OCRA’s programs help people navigate their diagnosis and support patients and their families when and where they need it most. Visit ocrahope.org to learn more.
