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Sgt. Pepperoni’s Donates $7,000 to Julian’s Lego Corner at CHOC

November 6, 2019/0 Comments/in Giving Back /by Jill Cook

Sgt. Pepperoni’s donated $7,000 and numerous LEGO sets to CHOC

November 5, 2019– In honor of September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Sgt. Pepperoni’s made its annual appeal on behalf of Julian’s Lego Corner. A fund of the CHOC Foundation, Julian’s Lego Corner provides brand new LEGO kits to children battling serious illnesses at Children’s Hospital Orange County.

Throughout the month of September, customers were encouraged to bring new LEGO kits to the Newport Beach pizzeria. Additionally, guests were asked to make cash donations to support the cause. Furthermore, profits from the September Pizza of the Month (the Quattro Formaggi) and the sale of Sweet Things were also added to the donation.

Richard Dunn, Sgt. Pepperoni’s partner Jeff Roberts, Andrea Dunn

“We’re so proud for all that we’ve done for CHOC Hospital” said Sgt. Pepperoni’s partner Jeff Roberts. “A big thank you to everyone who contributed to our annual campaign for Julian’s Lego Corner. We look forward to making it even bigger in 2020, so stay tuned.”

About Julian’s Lego Corner

Julian and his mom Andrea

Julian’s Lego Corner was created to honor the memory of the late Julian Dunn. Dunn, who battled cancer, was a classmate of Roberts’ daughter, Lauren. Throughout Dunn’s treatment at CHOC, he busied himself with LEGO toys. These toys allowed him to spend more time being a child, and less time focused on his medical treatments. Today, CHOC patients with serious illnesses can receive new LEGO kits to play with while they undergo medical care.

On September 10, Sgt. Pepperoni’s played host to a benefit night for the fundraiser. 100% of the profits from 5 PM until 9 PM were donated to the cause. Additionally, proceeds from a raffle and cash donations collected through the evening added to the fund. The event brought community members together to honor Dunn’s memory.

Sweet Things, Sweet Cause

Another addition to the fundraising campaign was the sale of Sweet Things. Sweet Things is a collection of New York style cheesecake, cupcakes, and select treats available at Sgt. Pepperoni’s. These items are available year-round in the grab and go case and by special order. A community service project spearheaded by Lauren and her Pacifica Christian classmates, Sweet Things had its origins as a lemonade stand. At five years old, Lauren and classmates sold lemonade and cotton candy on Balboa to support Julian’s treatment. Over time, the concept evolved into the sale of baked goods on behalf of Julian’s Lego Corner. For more information on Sweet Things, be sure to follow their instagram.

Follow Sweet Things on Instagram for the latest

The 2019 initiative raised $7,000 for Julian’s Lego Corner. The Sgt. Pepperoni’s team joined forces with Andrea Pronk-Dunn, Julian’s mother, for a check presentation on October 9. In addition to the pizzeria’s donation, Lauren’s Sweet Things project presented CHOC with a $500 check. Lauren hopes to raise a total of $5,000 over the next year through the sales of Sweet Things.

Interested in making a donation to Julian’s Lego Corner? Visit the CHOC Foundation Website. Please be sure to mention Julian’s Lego Corner/Sgt. Pepperoni’s when making your donation.

Trevor Wins Bracken’s Kitchen’s Hungry Games

November 6, 2019/0 Comments/in News /by Jill Cook

Trevor takes the win at Bracken’s Kitchen’s Hungry Games

Thursday, September 19, 2019 – Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store‘s own Trevor Kotchek won the 2019 Hungry Games. A fundraiser for Orange County non-profit organization Bracken’s Kitchen, the event raised money to battle food insecurity in southern California.

Kotchek’s hand-stuffed raviolo was a guest favorite. (Surprisingly, the dish bested entries from Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin and local star Jeffrey Boullt.) The pasta was stuffed with lemon ricotta, sausage, mushroom and topped with vodka sauce and fried basil. “The Hungry Games was so much fun,” said Kotchek. “Bracken’s concept of bringing culinary professionals from across southern California together to help end hunger is incredible. I’m proud Sgt. Pepperoni’s is able to support such a noble cause.” Kotchek takes over the title from 2018 champion Jason “Chicken Wing” Montelibano of Chapter One, the Modern Local.

The second annual hungry games raised over $180,000 to further the mission of Bracken’s Kitchen. To learn more about how the organization is fighting hunger in Orange County and beyond, visit their website. Finally, a special thanks to our friends Tyler “Beer Savage” Bochenek for bringing the beer and Blaire Wayland of Emblem Documentaries for capturing the evening!

About Bracken’s Kitchen: Bracken’s Kitchen is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Orange County California. Founded in 2013 our mission is simple: Through food recovery, culinary training and our community feeding program we are committed to recovering, re-purposing and restoring both food and lives.

Support Julian’s Lego Corner at CHOC

August 23, 2019/2 Comments/in News /by Jill Cook

Julian's Lego Corner September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month of September, Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store is proud to show support for Children’s Hospital of Orange County with Julian’s Lego Corner. Named in honor of the late Julian Dunn, Julian’s Lego Corner provides new Legos to the patients of CHOC through their child life program.

During Dunn’s oncology treatments at CHOC, he loved to play with Legos. His parents decided to continue his legacy by supplying these toys to other patients. Ultimately, this program gives kids a much-needed respite during complex medical journeys.

What is Julian’s Lego Corner?

Julian's Lego Corner Julian’s Lego Corner is a CHOC Foundation fund that supports the Cherese Mari Laulhere child life department. The child life department strives to normalize the hospital environment for children. Through the child life department, patients are able to explore a playroom (if medically cleared), pet therapy, art therapy, and music therapy. Because of this, kids are able to relax and focus on what’s most important: feeling better.

How You Can Help

Julians Lego Corner at Sgt. Pepperoni's There are many ways to show your support for Julian’s Lego Corner. On Tuesday, September 10, from 5:00 PM to close, 100% of proceeds will be donated to CHOC in Julian’s honor. Additionally, 100% of the proceeds from our September Pie of the Month, the Quattro Formagi, will be donated Finally, guests can donate a brand new Lego kit of their choice. A collection box is located at the front of the shop.

Please note that all donated Lego kits must be brand new, in the box. Because of hospital regulations, used kits cannot be accepted.

Lauren Roberts, daughter of partners Jeff and Erica Roberts, was Julian’s classmate. Subsequently, Lauren joined with friends to create “Sweet Things“, which are available year-round in our grab and go case. 100% of the proceeds from these items are donated to CHOC on an ongoing basis. Because of this, our guests can support CHOC year-round.

To make a tax-deductible contribution to Julian’s Lego Corner, visit the CHOC website. Please be sure to denote that your donation is for Julian’s Lego Corner via Sgt. Pepperoni’s.

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