Newk’s Cares, the ovarian cancer awareness movement founded by fast-casual restaurant Newk’s Eatery, celebrates its sixth year and honors co-founder Lori Newcomb with the achievement of exceeding $1.4M in fundraising efforts. Newk’s strives to make a difference for research of the disease, with a goal to improve the rate of early detection and symptom awareness. Alongside Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), the largest global organization dedicated to advancing ovarian cancer research while supporting women and their families, Newk’s has raised more than $400,000 this year.
“I want to express my gratitude to our Newk’s communities, which have allowed us to achieve this incredible fundraising milestone,” says Chris Newcomb, Newk’s Eatery CEO and Newk’s Cares co-founder. “Raising one million dollars was a dream for my wife, Lori, and we are so proud to carry on her legacy with a breakthrough year of giving for ovarian cancer research.”
During the month of September, and across more than 120 U.S. locations, Newk’s Eatery offered guests the opportunity to make a donation in support of ovarian cancer research to OCRA, both in store and through online ordering.
In Newk’s home market of Jackson, Miss., the annual Ovarian Cycle® Jackson spin event hosted a sold-out crowd to spin to end ovarian cancer during September’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. In August, Newk’s Cares and St. Dominic Hospital hosted a Lunch & Learn featuring expert panelists who shared statistics and symptoms, along with critical research developments to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. Newk’s restaurants are also featuring the seasonal cancer-fighting Thai Chicken Soup through March 2020, which contains antioxidants that can help reduce the risks of cancer, and Shrimp & Avocado Salad, inspired by Lori Newcomb.
To provide year-round education on the disease, Newk’s has permanently turned its straws teal, the color of ovarian cancer awareness, and donates ten cents from every Newk’s Cares water bottle sold to OCRA. Lori Newcomb’s story is also featured in each restaurant to promote the success rate of early diagnosis.
Newk’s Eatery recently celebrated 15 years since its first store opened in Oxford, Miss., and announced a new store prototype with a renewed mission, “Project Strive.” The new design will further implement the color teal in every restaurant with a new mosaic tile wall.
“Our fight is far from over, but we are as committed as ever to continue living Lori’s mission for this cause,” adds Newcomb. “We will continue to prioritize educating and encouraging women to take action when listening to their bodies to improve the success rate of early diagnosis, and look forward to exceeding more goals in the years to come.”
