On the evening of November 4th, 2025, something remarkable happened at the MOD Pizza location in Issaquah, Washington. Over 100 community members — students, parents, teachers, and local business owners — walked through the door not just for dinner, but to make a statement: that pediatric cancer care is everyone's responsibility.
The event was simple in concept. MOD Pizza agreed to donate a percentage of every order placed during a four-hour window to International Children's Wellness. ICW volunteers set up a table near the entrance, handing out flyers and speaking with customers about the mission. What we didn't fully anticipate was how much the community would show up.
— Community member, Issaquah WA
How It Came Together
The partnership with MOD Pizza began three months earlier, when ICW Co-Founder Shritan Pothini reached out to the restaurant's local management team. MOD Pizza has a history of community partnerships and fundraisers — their model is built around accessibility and community — and they were immediately receptive. After a few planning calls, both teams agreed on an evening event that would let ICW volunteers connect directly with supporters while raising funds for care packages and hospital donations.
In the weeks before the event, ICW members spread the word through their school networks, social media, and neighborhood apps. The turnout exceeded expectations. By the end of the night, ICW had raised over $800 — funds that went directly toward care package materials and a donation to Seattle Children's Hospital.
More Than a Fundraiser
What struck us most wasn't the dollar amount — it was the conversations. Dozens of people stopped to ask questions about ICW's work. Parents shared their own experiences with the healthcare system. A few people mentioned children in their lives who had been affected by cancer. One woman teared up when she heard about the handwritten card campaigns.
That's what community fundraising does at its best — it creates space for people to connect around something that matters. Pizza is just the excuse. The real product is awareness, empathy, and collective action.
What's Next
Inspired by the MOD Pizza event, ICW is exploring similar partnerships with other local businesses across our chapter cities. If you're a business owner who wants to host a fundraiser or awareness night for ICW, reach out to us — we'd love to bring this model to your community.
