Educational Programs to Expand, with New Camps, Scholarship Programs and Community Outreach Planned
(San Francisco, Calif.) Patxi’s Pizza, the Bay Area brand famous for its commitment to philanthropy, community outreach and causes benefiting children’s health, education and wellness, today announces the Patxi’s Pizza Learning Center at The Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato.
Patxi’s CEO and Buck Institute Advisory Council member Bill Freeman said, “Given our mission of supporting children’s education and welfare and the educational focus on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum, the Buck Institute for Research on Aging was the perfect partner. Working towards a healthy life span for the children of today is a great way to ensure the world’s future. We’re very excited about the programming and opportunities the Patxi’s Pizza Learning Center will offer the Bay Area community and beyond.”
“We are thrilled that Patxi’s Pizza is making this commitment to children – to encourage their interest in science and to get involved in their own health,” said Brian Kennedy, PhD, President and CEO of the Buck Institute. “We love it when kids get an opportunity to interact with our scientists and we look forward to expanding our programs so we can reach more of them.”
The Patxi’s Pizza Learning Center is a 1400 square foot, fully-equipped, colorful, kid-friendly demonstration space for K-12 students, college students and life-long learners. State-of the art microscopes and cell culture allow students to do hands-on experiments that go well beyond typical school-based science classes. Learning Center activities are often tied to the science of healthy aging, encouraging children to be proactive in maintaining life-long health.
Patxi’s is working with the Buck Institute to develop special summer camps and scholarship programs to reach underserved children who would not generally have opportunities to be immersed in science. Plans are also being made for additional community outreach through Patxi’s restaurants.
There will be a private ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 12 at 12 Noon for the Patxi’s Learning Center at the Buck Institute.
Currently, through their 52 Weeks of Giving program, Patxi’s donates a portion of its profits to local nonprofit organizations dedicated to education and children’s health and welfare – totaling over $450,000 in donations to date. With the additional donation to the Buck Institute and the programming that will soon follow, Patxi’s now has the opportunity to make a difference in even more children’s lives.
Patxi’s (pronounced pah-cheese. ‘t’ before ‘x’) began as a labor of love for old friends and now business partners William Freeman and Francisco “Patxi” Azpiroz. The brand recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary. From their first location in Palo Alto, which is still operational, the duo has built the business into a successful, growing brand with thirteen restaurants spanning three states. With nine locations in the Bay Area, a thriving three-store operation in Denver, and a newly opened Seattle outpost, Patxi’s is set up for even more giving in the years to come.
ABOUT PATXI’S PIZZA
Founded in 2004 by two longtime friends, entrepreneur Bill Freeman and pizzaiolo Francisco “Patxi” Azpiroz, Patxi’s Pizza offers authentic deep dish and thin crust pizza, featuring two distinct, handcrafted styles of dough, four types of mozzarella (including a vegan option) and over 30 different fresh meat and veggie toppings. Guests may choose from a number of Patxi’s signature pizzas or are invited to “Create Your Own Perfect Pizza,” made with ingredients sourced locally whenever possible.
Patxi’s Pizza is privately owned and operated with a total of 12 locations: 9 in the San Francisco Bay Area, 3 in Denver, CO, and 3 new location openings planned for 2014, including expansion to Seattle and Santa Barbara. Patxi’s Pizza was ranked #6 in the Food & Beverage Industry by Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 Hire Power Companies of 2013. Esquire Magazine named Patxi’s among the Top 10 “Most Life-Changing Pizzas” of 2012, and Westword deemed Patxi’s the Best Deep Dish Pizza in Denver in 2014. www.patxispizza.com.
Remember to “join the cavalry” by subscribing to Devin’s content here.
