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Marco's Pizza Foundation Makes Landmark Donation to Junior Achievement

In an exciting development for education and community support, the Marco's Pizza Foundation has announced its inaugural donation to Junior Achievement USA (JA). The remarkable contribution of over $317,000 will bolster local JA chapters across the nation, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to empowering youth through education and entrepreneurship.

A Milestone in Charitable Efforts

This generous donation emerges after the foundation's prior announcement in October 2024, when it outlined a goal to raise $500,000 for Junior Achievement. Remarkably, this first donation has already surpassed the halfway mark within just four months, highlighting the urgency and enthusiasm surrounding this initiative.

With these funds, Junior Achievement aims to provide students with essential resources and hands-on learning experiences in crucial areas such as financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship. A portion of the donation will also support the upcoming Junior Achievement Future Bound event, where more than 300 students will participate in national competitions including the JA Company of the Year Competition and the Stock Market Challenge.

Community Engagement

The involvement of Marco's Pizza franchisees has been instrumental in facilitating this achievement. Through community-centered campaigns, customers were encouraged to contribute via round-up donations and add-ons of $1, $3, or $5 during their purchases. This collective effort underscores the strong community ties that Marco's franchisees have established beyond their menu offerings.

Stephanie Moseley, President of the Marco's Pizza Foundation, articulates the brand’s vision perfectly: "Marco's Pizza believes in the power of education and entrepreneurship to shape the future. Seeing franchisees and customers rally behind this cause reaffirms Marco's commitment to making a real difference in the communities it serves."

Local Initiatives Paving the Way

Beyond this national effort, Marco's Pizza franchisees are deeply involved in grassroots philanthropic initiatives, showcasing the brand's strong local engagement. Noteworthy contributions include:

• - California Wildfires Relief: Franchisees engaged in product donations to support families and first responders affected by recent wildfires. Additionally, they collaborated with the Southern California Chapter of Junior Achievement to donate $5,000 to assist the Los Angeles Unified School District in rebuilding educational infrastructures impacted by the disaster.
• - Support for the Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina: Franchisees provided meals for participants in the Lowcountry Stock Market Challenge, ensuring that students had the nourishment needed to excel in their endeavors. This support helped the winning team clinch a spot at JA Future Bound in Atlanta.
• - Houston's Backpack Buddies Initiative: Franchisee Robert Pina, recognized as the IFA Franchisee of the Year, partnered with local organizations to support a program that feeds children in need, achieving substantial fundraising success through QR code donations and hands-on involvement.
• - Orlando Fundraiser for AdventHealth: Franchisees in the Orlando area participated in a nine-month effort to raise funds for AdventHealth’s Children’s Cancer Center, generating over $31,000 through strategic sales contributions.

Fostering Future Entrepreneurs

The overarching mission of the Marco's Pizza Foundation is to unite and uplift communities through support in education, hunger prevention, and workforce development. By joining forces with Junior Achievement, the Foundation specifically aims to cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Marco's Pizza has witnessed the transformative power of entrepreneurship firsthand, and it remains steadfast in its commitment to providing young individuals with the tools, knowledge, and confidence necessary for pursuing business ownership. As the Foundation progresses in its philanthropic endeavors, its People First, Mission Always culture remains pivotal in ensuring community support springs from within.

Through its development program, "We're Golden," Marco's is actively empowering franchisees with resources to create enriching store cultures that prioritize growth, recognition, and opportunity for every level of employee.

To explore more about the Marco's Pizza Foundation and its mission, visit Marco's Foundation. For those interested in joining the Marco's team, further opportunities can be found at Join Our Team.

Conclusion

The Marco's Pizza Foundation stands as a testament to the brand's mission of community impact and educational advocacy. With their proactive involvement in local charitable initiatives and a clear vision for empowering youth, Marco’s Pizza continues to solidify its position as a leader not just in the pizza industry, but also in community engagement and support.