As part of its philosophy of agape capitalism—a way of doing business based on the power of love—Donatos, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is partnering for the second year with Habitat for Humanity International.
The partnership falls under the housing pillar of the Donatos Family Foundation’s three-pillar mission to give back to Donatos’ communities. The other pillars are hunger and health.
From January 30 through April 30, Donatos has pledged to raise at least $100,000 for Habitat, with the funds to be distributed among local Habitat affiliates in communities near Donatos restaurant locations. Customers are encouraged to join in these fundraising efforts by rounding up the total when they pay for an order online. Donatos will also donate $1 for every snickerdoodle cookie that is sold during this three-month period.
“We are excited to be partnering with Habitat again this year to help them in their efforts to build affordable housing in communities across the country,” said Jane Grote Abell, Donatos’ executive chairwoman of the board and chief purpose officer. “Giving more than we receive is woven into our culture, and continuing the Donatos family legacy of giving back supports our mission to promote goodwill through our product, principles, service and people.”
Related: Donatos Family Foundation to focus on positive community change
Rooted in giving back to the community since the family-owned company started on the south side of Columbus nearly 60 years ago, the Donatos Family Foundation helps the brand impact even more people through their locations across the country. The foundation stays true to the words the brand lives by—“every piece is important”—meaning that Donatos values not only great pizza, but the community it takes to make it all happen. Intended to create synergies with franchise partners and form a permanent connection between the Donatos brand and the goodwill that it promotes in local communities, the foundation continues the Donatos legacy of being a good neighbor.
Donatos was founded by Jim Grote on two core principles—leading with love and treating others the way that he wanted to be treated. This belief in doing business with love became known as agape capitalism and goes hand-in-hand with the Latin meaning of the name Donatos: to give a good thing.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Donatos Family Foundation for a second year,” said Julie Laird Davis, vice president of corporate and cause marketing partnerships at Habitat for Humanity International. “Putting love into action is deeply woven in our efforts of building homes, communities and hope, and we are grateful to have dedicated partners like Donatos who also share the same vision. We look forward to seeing the impact of this partnership in communities across the U.S.”
Donatos features the Edge to Edge pizzas created by Grote when he founded the company in 1963. With 431 locations in 27 states, Donatos and its franchise partners operate 173 traditional restaurants in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Donatos’ products are also served in 258 non-traditional locations, including 248 Red Robin locations, nine sports and entertainment venues, and one REEF Kitchen.
