#USA #Jackson #Ovarian Cancer #Newks Eatery #Lori Newcomb

Newk's Cares and the Legacy of Lori Newcomb

This September, Newk's Eatery is keen on furthering its mission during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a sentiment deeply connected to the personal history of the restaurant brand. Through its initiative, Newk's Cares, the company aims to honor the legacy of Lori Newcomb while actively working to raise both awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research.

Lori, the beloved wife of Chris Newcomb, the founder of Newk's Eatery, was diagnosed with Stage IIIC ovarian cancer in 2013. Her journey revealed the stark realities and challenges surrounding the detection and understanding of ovarian cancer, which led to the establishment of Newk's Cares in 2014. This initiative has since accumulated millions of dollars for research and education on the disease, making an indelible mark in the fight against ovarian cancer.

Madison Newcomb, Chris and Lori's daughter, now serves as the director of marketing for Newk's Eatery. She reflects on her mother's journey, stating, "My mom really turned a negative into a positive. None of us knew anything about ovarian cancer when she was diagnosed. Her goal became raising awareness and funds, but more than anything, she wanted women to understand the symptoms and listen to their bodies."

Beyond special months of awareness, Newk's Cares is committed to its noble cause year-round. A portion of the proceeds from cup sales at Newk's restaurants contributes to ovarian cancer awareness efforts. As the initiative matures, Newk's Cares is gearing towards becoming a 501(c)(3) organization, allowing it to provide more targeted support to local community needs and organizations dedicated to ovarian cancer.

Madison expresses the pressing need for such philanthropic efforts, particularly highlighting that essential items like wigs can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000, which can be burdensome for women undergoing treatment. The organization is actively exploring ways to assist individuals with these needs while simultaneously collaborating with local support groups and charities.

To further involve the community, Newk's Cares is working closely with franchise owners to identify local ovarian cancer organizations and support systems aligned with its mission. "We want to give back in a more personal way," explains Madison. Plans for the future include local fundraising initiatives in conjunction with new restaurant openings. One noteworthy upcoming event will be in Wichita, Kansas where a new restaurant is set to open in early October. In the lead-up, there will be dedicated activities emphasizing the Newk's Cares mission, giving the community an opportunity to engage with and understand the significance of ovarian cancer awareness.

Moreover, even the restaurant training and pre-opening events could become platforms for raising funds, inviting patrons to contribute voluntarily to Newk's Cares. Franchise owners are enthusiastic about organizing local activities such as charity golf tournaments and 5K races to synergize community spirit with awareness.

As Newk's Cares expands its influence, it aims to keep the spirit of its founder's message alive. Awareness of ovarian cancer is particularly crucial due to its often-overlooked symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, and loss of appetite, which can easily be mistaken for more benign health issues. Education remains a cornerstone of Newk's Cares' mission. Madison notes, “This is personal to our brand because our franchise owners experienced this journey alongside our family. My mom’s number one goal was to inform women about ovarian cancer and its symptoms.”

With its expanded initiatives, Newk's Cares will persist in its commitment to supporting ovarian cancer awareness and the cultivation of community outreach programs, all while honoring the enduring legacy of Lori Newcomb.

About Newk's Eatery

Founded in 2004 and based in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk's Eatery is a fast-casual dining brand renowned for its hospitable service and homemade meals. With nearly 100 locations across twelve states, the restaurant boasts a diverse menu featuring freshly-made salads, sandwiches, soups, and pizzas, all prepared in-house without fryers or microwaves. The restaurant is also committed to providing convenience through its grab-and-go options and mobile ordering available via the Newk's app. Newk's has received notable acclaim from industry leaders such as Nation's Restaurant News, Restaurant Business, and Entrepreneur, noted for its quality food and dedication to customer satisfaction. To learn more, visit Newks.com and follow them on social media.