COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – As part of the annual Rocco’s Pizza & Cantina MCWS Challenge, owners Kevin and Bonnie Culjat announced significant donations totaling $145,477 to fight food insecurity, with $16,164 going directly to Rocky’s Emergency Food Pantry at Iowa Western Community College.
“We are deeply grateful for Kevin and Bonnie’s generous donation to Rocky’s Pantry. Their support directly helps our students facing food insecurity, providing them with the needs they need to succeed,” said Iowa Western President Dr. Dan Kinney. “Thank you to Rocco’s for continuing to make a meaningful difference in our community.”
During this year’s Men’s College World Series (MCWS), the Culjat’s pledged to donate $1 for every jello shot sold, benefiting food banks representing the eight participating teams. This initiative raised $96,985.
Locally, Rocco’s committed to donating 50 cents for every jello shot sold, focusing on alleviating food insecurity within the Omaha and Council Bluffs area. This effort generated $48,492, to be equally divided among three local school food pantries. Each beneficiary, including Rocky’s Emergency Food Pantry at Iowa Western Community College, The Creighton Cupboard at Creighton University, and The UNO Mav Food Pantry at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, will receive $16,164.
“We hope this donation will assist in addressing food insecurity issues at each of these schools,” said Kevin and Bonnie Culjat. “We’re committed to supporting our community and ensuring that no student goes hungry.”
These donations will provide crucial support to Rocky’s Pantry, helping it continue the vital work in assisting IWCC students in need.
“We are beyond grateful for Rocco’s generous donation to Rocky’s Emergency Pantry,” said Lindy Larsen, Director of Student Outreach & Support at IWCC. “The pantry was visited over 800 times this past academic year. Thanks to supporters like Rocco’s Pizza & Cantina, we can continue to meet the basic needs of our students.”
For more information about Rocky’s Emergency Pantry and other student assistance initiatives, visit here.
