Newk’s Cares, the charitable initiative of Newk’s Eatery, is set to honor Lori Newcomb on September 24 with the 10th Annual Lori’s Day, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for ovarian cancer research.
Lori Newcomb, the late wife of Newk’s Eatery Co-Founder Chris Newcomb, was diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian cancer in 2013. In 2014, she launched Newk’s Cares to advocate for early diagnosis and raise awareness about the disease’s subtle symptoms. Though Lori lost her battle with the disease in 2019, her passion continues to inspire Newk’s Cares.
Over the past 10 years, Newk’s Cares has raised more than $2.5 million, funding critical research and community awareness initiatives.
“Lori’s Day is incredibly meaningful to our family and to everyone at Newk’s,” said Madison Newcomb, Lori’s daughter. “It’s a day to honor my mother’s legacy and to support all those affected by ovarian cancer.”
On Lori’s Day, 20% of sales from Newk’s locations will be donated to Newk’s Cares to support awareness and research of ovarian cancer. Throughout September, Newk’s restaurants will be adorned in teal—the color of ovarian cancer awareness—and guests will have the opportunity to donate in various ways, including through special donation cups and the purchase of themed water bottles.
Founded in 2004 and based in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk’s Eatery is a fast-casual chain that operates and franchises just under 100 units in 16 states. In 2020, Newk’s ranked in Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Top 200 Countdown” and Restaurant Business’ Top 250 Chains. Newk’s has also been selected as a Top Food Franchise by Entrepreneur.
In 2021, Newk’s was recognized in Nation’s Restaurant’s News as a “Top Scorer in Takeout Food Quality” and ranked among the highest “True Loyalty” scores—the percentages of respondents who said they visit because of a real desire to experience the brand, as opposed to convenience.
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) is the largest non-government funder of ovarian cancer research and has invested $110 million in research since its founding. OCRA fights ovarian cancer from all fronts, including in the lab and on Capitol Hill, and through innovative programs to support patients and their families. OCRA’s ongoing investments in the most promising scientific research is funding discoveries, creating new treatments, and hastening desperately needed breakthroughs.
