Romeo’s Pizza raised more than $25,000 for local fire departments through its Firefighter Pizza campaign with MMA star and firefighter Stipe Miocic.

Romeo’s Pizza, a 60-location franchise based in Medina, Ohio, announced a successful conclusion to its Firefighter Pizza campaign, hailed as an “initiative that has not only delighted taste buds but also contributed significantly to the support of our local heroes.” The campaign centered around a limited-time specialty pizza and a collaboration with six-time MMA heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, who has also served as a firefighter for 13-plus years. The goal: to honor the contribution of firefighters while raising funds for local fire departments.

From Sept. 5 to Nov. 18, the pizzeria offered the Firefighter Pizza, which featured pepperoni and spicy Carolina Reaper Cheese, and paid tribute to both Miocic’s career and the dedication of firefighters. The specialty pizza sparked generosity from the Romeo’s Pizza communities, as $1 from each Firefighter Pizza sold was earmarked for local fire departments. With tremendous customer support, the pizzeria was able to raise more than $25,000 in donations.

Related: Pizza Chain Helps Give Out More Than 600 Pizzas in One Market

Members of the Louisville, Ohio, police department.

To boost the fundraiser’s impact, all donations gathered in-store at each Romeo’s Pizza location were matched by its Sweet Smiles Foundation, doubling the contribution. Stipe Miocic, whose dedication to both MMA and firefighting inspired the campaign, expressed his gratitude for the effort. “It’s an honor to have been a part of this incredible initiative,” he said. “I’m amazed by the outpouring of support and the difference we’ve made together.”

“The success of the Firefighter Pizza campaign mirrors Romeo’s Pizza’s dedication to great taste and giving back,” the brand announced. “The funds raised will directly aid the commendable efforts of our local fire departments, further cementing the bond between Romeo’s Pizza and the communities we serve. Romeo’s Pizza extends heartfelt thanks to all who joined in this campaign, making it a great success. As this chapter closes, we reaffirm our commitment to continuing efforts that support and uplift our communities.”

This effort was part of the Romeo’s Pizza’s Local Pizza Champion Initiative, which strives to make a positive, measurable difference in the communities that the pizzerias serve. Founded in 2001 in Medina, Ohio, Romeo’s Pizza is a growing international franchise with the mission of delivering “purpose-driven, handcrafted excellence through our team of local pizza champions,” according to the company. “We believe pizza is always the answer.”

Pizzerias