Fundraiser for children in Wisconsin, restaurants in Milwaukee donate

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Declaration “Do good with food” announced at the Calderone Club

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Kitchen Cabinet and its partners are working together to give back to Children’s Wisconsin – one meal at a time.

José Pérez, President of the Milwaukee City Council, declared August 22 as “Do Good with Food” day on Wednesday. 41 restaurants will donate a portion of their sales to Children’s Wisconsin on that day.

The idea was first introduced by Gino Fazzari, owner of Calderone Club restaurant and San Gorgio pizzeria, who said he wanted to give back after Children’s Wisconsin saved his daughter’s life when she stopped breathing at 5 days old.

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“Almost 11 years ago today, we arrived at the children’s hospital with our daughter Vivianna and she wasn’t breathing. Her heart wasn’t beating. Shortly after, we saw a miracle happen right before our own eyes,” said Fazzari.

“Children deserve it because they save people’s lives,” said Vivianna, now ten years old.

Declaration “Do good with food” announced at the Calderone Club

Since 2019, Fazzari and his family have partnered with the Milwaukee Kitchen Cabinet to “Do Good With Food.” Something as simple as buying a pizza and scanning a QR code at a participating restaurant could save lives.

“In everything we do at Children’s, we continue to rely on the generosity of the community to help care for children and families,” said Christine Baranoucky of Children’s Wisconsin.

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Since 2019, the Do Good With Food fundraiser has raised more than $130,000 for Children’s Wisconsin.

“When the opportunity arises to collaborate with other restaurant groups and have a bigger impact, I think that says a lot about us as a restaurant community,” said Matt Schmidt of Water Street Brewery.

“I’m very honored to be a part of this,” said Jill Ruffing of 600 East Cafe. “Children’s Wisconsin is very close to my heart.”

This year’s drive will support Children’s Wisconsin’s emergency department, NICU, and Nourishing Partners Program. Learn more about this important initiative.