(Press release), NEW ORLEANS, LA, April 22, 2013 — [Note: spoiler alert for New Orleans moms!] In celebration of Mothers’ Day this year, thousands of New Orleans area schoolchildren will grow tomato plants for their moms thanks to a donation of recycled plastic cups, plants and soil to 32 Louisiana schools from Rotolo’s Pizzeria.

Rotolo’s Pizzeria collected its famous plastic cups from customers in celebration of Earth Day 2013 and April’s National Recycling Month in exchange for free pizza as part of the popular pizzeria’s “cup buyback program.” In its fourth year, the success of the program has resulted in the recycling of more than 20,000 cups, which will now be repurposed as environmentally-friendly Mother’s Day gifts for south Louisiana moms in Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
“Good eating, family-friendly activities and having fun together are things that define Rotolo’s,” said Mitch Rotolo, founder and owner of Rotolo’s Pizzeria. “We’re proud to support all three—and thank moms for their hard work at the same time—with our Mother’s Day plant giveaway.”
Harvard Medical School studies, reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, show that families that engage in activities together, such as gardening and eating family meals, have stronger, healthier bonds. Rotolo’s is committed to serving the community, not just at its restaurant locations, but also by helping to foster healthier and happier families at home.
More than 4,000 students at 14 participating schools in the New Orleans area will receive the tomato plants on May 8 – 10, just in time for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12. Participating schools in the metro New Orleans area include:
·         Judge Lionel Collins
·         St. Cletus School
·         Arden Cahill Academy
·         McDonogh 26 Elementary
·         Johnson Gretna Park Elementary
·         Our Lady of Perpetual Help
·         John Curtis Christian
·         St. Matthew the Apostle School
·         St. Francis Xavier
·         Grace King High School
·         St. Angela Merici
·         St. Louis King of France
·         Metairie Academy
·         Mandeville Elementary

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ABOUT ROTOLO’S PIZZERIA

In 1996, Mitch Rotolo opened the first Rotolo's Pizzeria in Baton Rouge, Louisiana just outside of Louisiana State University's college campus. Through the will and loyalty of our customers, the casual Italian restaurant has since grown into a successful franchise with 29+ locations and many more in the works! We are proud to continue to live up to our long-standing reputation for providing tasty, authentic Italian cuisine with just a touch of Cajun influence.

Contact:  Ann Fabens-Lassen
aflassen@theehrhardtgroup.com
504-558-1785