Community Involvement
Every Lou Malnati'spizza is handmade from scratch using the finest ingredients. But commitment to quality isn’t the only thing that makes Lou Malnati’s special. Lou Malnati’s has a sincere dedication to contributing to local communities. From supplying nearly $75,000 in donations yearly to local charities and organizations to supplying schools with fundraising opportunities and unique programs, Lou Malnati’s is always looking to give back to Chicagoland communities.
Annual Cancer Benefit
Each year, Lou Malnati's hosts a benefit that raises more than $150,000. All proceeds benefit cancer research and education programs at Northwestern Memorial hospital, Gilda’s Club of Chicago, and Children’s Memorial Hospital. Lou Malnati’s has hosted the annual benefit for 38 years, and has raised more than $2 million for cancer programs. Jean Malnati-Miller and her late-husband Lou Malnati, who founded Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, established the benefit in 1971 to raise money for the Brian Piccolo scholarship of Wake Forest University. The scholarship recognized the athletic and academic achievements of a local student. After Lou’s death in 1978 from cancer, Jean and her sons, Marc and Rick, carried on the tradition of the annual event but changed the focus to raise funds for cancer research and treatment programs.
This year's 38th annual benefit was once again a success. It was held on Monday, September 15, 2008 under a tent at Lou Malnati’s corporate office. Lou Malnati’s was excited to partner with The Second City to provide the entertainment for the evening, and the performance featured Chicago Cubs rookie sensation, pitcher Jeff Samardzija.
To make a donation: Make checks payable to Lou Malnati Cancer Benefit Fund and mail to 3685 WoodheadDr. Northbrook , IL 60062.
Lawndale Store
In 1995 Lou Malnati’s opened a restaurant on Chicago’s west side in Lawndale with the goal being to give all profits back to the community to benefit children’s educational and recreational programs. While partnering with the Lawndale Community Church, Lou Malnati's has also created a job-training program for residents of the church's recovery home, Hope House, to get them back in the working world.
Incentive and Rewards Programs
To help support local schools and children’s organizations, Lou Malnati’s offers our incentive and rewards program. This longstanding program provides schools and organizations with customized coupons, each valid for a free individual Lou Malnati’s pizza. These coupons are a great way to recognize and reward children in a fun and easy way! During the summer months, Lou Malnati’s supplies these coupons as rewards for children participating in summer reading programs at libraries throughout the area. If you have questions or would like to be considered for the program please contact Megan Eck at meck@loumalnatis.com.
Community Participation
Every year Lou Malnati’s participates in the city’s annual Taste of Chicago. People line up for the best deep dish pizza in the world! Lou Malnati’s also traditionally participates in Buffalo Grove Days and Schaumburg Fest. In Naperville, Lou Malnati’s is a proud supporter of the city’s Public Safety Month, hosting the annual fundraiser at the downtown Naperville location. Twenty percent of the restaurants’ proceeds from the night of the event go towards the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Burn Camp for Kids.