Newk’s Cares is honoring the legacy of co-founder Lori Newcomb this September during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month with fundraising initiatives online and at the more than 100 Newk’s Eatery restaurants.
Newk’s Cares is the philanthropic arm of Newk’s Eatery, the Jackson, Mississippi-based fast-casual restaurant chain. It was established in 2014, a year after Newcomb, an Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) board member and mother of three, was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer. She was the wife of Chris Newcomb, Newk’s Cares co-founder and Newk’s Eatery CEO.
Supporters can join the fight against ovarian cancer this month by donating to OCRA when placing a dine-in, to-go, or curbside pickup order from Newk’s Eatery. Those who make an in-store donation will get a personalized teal ribbon certificate — the color teal symbolizes ovarian cancer — that will be displayed in that restaurant. Go here to find a nearby Newk’s Eatery.
OCRA and Newk’s Cares will present a virtual version on Sept. 17 of the indoor cycling event called Ovarian Cycle Jackson. The event is part of Ovarian Cycle, OCRA’s signature cycling series, and will feature a series of five livestream workouts that include spinning and yoga. The workouts will air from OCRA’s Facebook page. All funds raised will benefit the organization’s research, advocacy, and patient support programs.
Continuing a practice Lori Newcomb began, 10 cents of every Newk’s Cares water bottle sold year-round is donated to OCRA, a global organization that funds ovarian cancer research, advocates for patients, and supports survivors and their families. Newk’s Eatery is also now using teal beverage straws year-round.
“Everyone at Newk’s Eatery is committed to supporting ovarian cancer research and awareness, and with each community’s support every woman can have a fighting chance,” OCRA states.
Through its partnership with OCRA, Newk’s Cares has raised more than $1.4 million for research of a cancer that 21,750 women will be diagnosed with this year. Because symptoms often are vague, the cancer is usually diagnosed after it has progressed and is much harder to treat.
This is the seventh straight year that Newk’s Cares has launched efforts to coincide with Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Follow Newk’s Cares on Facebook for information about ongoing activities.