For the second consecutive year, Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen is expanding its ongoing Raising for Rett fundraising campaign in October to raise money and awareness for Rett syndrome research for a cure. The effort is personal, as Picazzo’s Managing Partner Chris Disney’s three-year-old daughter Colly was diagnosed with the rare syndrome two years ago.
October is Rett Syndrome Awareness Month, and Picazzo’s is donating $1 for every dessert sold at all six locations in Sedona, Scottsdale, Tempe, Paradise Valley, Arrowhead and Gilbert. The restaurants will also use purple linens, and servers will wear and sell purple Rett Syndrome bracelets.
The locally owned restaurant chain has raised approximately $10,000 in the past year with its Raising for Rett campaign, where they donate $1 to Rett Syndrome Research Trust for every skillet chocolate chip cookie sold year-round and $1 for every dessert sold during the month of October.
The campaign will offer information in all Picazzo’s restaurants for customers to learn about Rett syndrome, which combines the symptoms of autism, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and anxiety disorder. The rare genetic neurological disorder affects 1 in 10,000 females (even rarer in males) and begins to display itself in missed milestones or regression at 6-18 months. Rett syndrome can lead to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of life, including the ability to speak, walk, eat and breathe easily.
“Our family is doing everything in our power to help our daughter maintain as normal a life as possible—simple things we used to take for granted, like seeing her walk and feed herself, are now small miracles,” Disney said. “We are so grateful for the results of her intensive therapy at BloomKidz pediatric therapy center. And we’re hopeful that pediatric trials involving gene replacement, gene editing and other promising research will unlock a breakthrough that could mean a much better quality of life for our daughter.”
Direct donations for Raising for Rett can be made here.
Arizona-based Picazzo’s offers a fusion approach to a modern-Italian cuisine that sprinkles in the bold flavors of Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican ingredients into its menu of salads, entrees, pasta, and pizza. The brand offers a wide selection of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and allergy-friendly items, sources 95% organic produce, and makes sauces and dressings from scratch, using organic spices and non-GMO sunflower and imported olive oils. In addition to the main menu, Picazzo’s also offers a 100% vegan menu with salads, entrées, pasta, pizza, and desserts.
