admin
BOSTON, Mass. (April 7, 2026) – Sal’s Pizza, a family-owned and operated culinary institution established in 1990, today announced a significant partnership with Best Buddies International, launching a "Round-Up" campaign designed to foster inclusion and create meaningful connections for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This initiative, spanning the months of April and May, invites patrons at participating Sal’s Pizza locations across Massachusetts and New Hampshire to contribute directly to Best Buddies’ mission, thereby strengthening community bonds and advancing a more inclusive society. The campaign commenced today, April 7, and will continue through May 31, providing a sustained opportunity for public engagement and philanthropic support.
The "Round-Up" campaign offers a straightforward and accessible mechanism for customers to contribute. Upon checkout, whether in-store or through online orders, guests are presented with the option to round up their total purchase to the nearest dollar. For those wishing to make a more specific contribution, fixed donation amounts of $1, $3, or $5 are also available. These aggregated funds are earmarked to directly bolster Best Buddies International’s comprehensive suite of programs, which include one-to-one friendships, integrated employment opportunities, leadership development initiatives, and inclusive living arrangements, all crucial components in empowering individuals with IDD to lead fulfilling lives. The campaign’s digital integration ensures that customers utilizing Sal’s Pizza’s online ordering platforms can participate just as easily as those dining in or picking up their orders. This dual accessibility broadens the campaign’s reach and potential impact.
The partnership between Sal’s Pizza and Best Buddies International is rooted in shared values of community engagement and a profound commitment to fostering belonging. Sal Lupoli Jr., Growth & Strategy Director for Sal’s Pizza, articulated the profound significance of this collaboration. "This initiative is especially meaningful to all of us at Sal’s," Lupoli stated. "It reflects our long-standing commitment to the communities we serve and our belief in creating spaces where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. From in-store fundraising to on-the-ground event support, we’re proud to stand alongside Best Buddies in advancing inclusion and building a more connected, inclusive world." This statement underscores the deep-seated ethos of Sal’s Pizza, a company that has, since its inception, positioned itself not merely as a food service provider but as an integral part of the fabric of the communities it serves. The Lupoli family’s personal connection to the mission of Best Buddies further amplifies the authenticity and dedication driving this campaign, transforming a corporate initiative into a deeply personal endeavor for the organization.
The geographic scope of the campaign encompasses a significant portion of Sal’s Pizza’s footprint in New England. Participating locations in Massachusetts include Boston (Tremont St. and Brookline Ave.), Billerica, Chelmsford, Gloucester, Lawrence, Littleton, Plymouth, and Tewksbury. In New Hampshire, the campaign is active in Derry, Laconia, Manchester, Milford, New Hampton, and Salem. This widespread participation ensures that communities across both states have the opportunity to contribute to Best Buddies’ vital work. The funds raised will play a critical role in sustaining and expanding various programs, including community events that bring people together, inclusive activations designed to integrate individuals with IDD into mainstream activities, and ongoing support for the foundational friendship and leadership development initiatives that are hallmarks of Best Buddies’ mission.
Patrick Shaughnessy, Vice President of Best Buddies Challenges, echoed Lupoli’s sentiments, emphasizing the strategic alignment and anticipated impact of the collaboration. "We’re proud to partner with Sal’s Pizza to grow Best Buddies programs supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities," Shaughnessy commented. "Given Sal and the Lupoli family’s personal connection to our mission, this is a natural partnership that will have a huge impact in the communities we both serve." Shaughnessy’s remarks highlight the reciprocal benefits of such corporate-nonprofit alliances, where shared vision translates into tangible community improvements. The "huge impact" anticipated is not merely financial; it also encompasses heightened awareness, increased volunteer engagement, and a broader societal understanding of the value of inclusion.
A Personal Connection Takes Center Stage: Fenway Park and the Power of Friendship
The launch of the "Round-Up" campaign was uniquely marked by a special ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park on Tuesday, April 7. This event served as a powerful visual testament to the personal connection that underpins the partnership. Chris Harrington, a dedicated Best Buddies Ambassador, joined Sal Lupoli Jr. on the pitcher’s mound to celebrate their decades-long friendship. This poignant moment, which had previously been chronicled in a widely viewed feature by WCVB-TV, underscored the real-world impact of Best Buddies’ mission. The friendship between Harrington and Lupoli Jr. exemplifies the transformative power of one-to-one friendships, demonstrating how such connections transcend typical social boundaries to create deep, enduring bonds. The public recognition at Fenway Park, a venerable symbol of community and tradition in New England, provided a high-profile platform to showcase the profound benefits of inclusion and personal connection, bringing the abstract concept of "mission" into vivid, human focus. The WCVB-TV segment, which aired prior to this event, brought widespread attention to their story, portraying the authentic warmth and mutual support that defines their relationship. This media coverage significantly amplified the narrative of Best Buddies and the Lupoli family’s commitment long before the campaign’s official launch.
Sustained Support: Fueling the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port
Beyond the initial fundraising drive, Sal’s Pizza has committed to further support Best Buddies through active participation in one of its flagship events. On Saturday, May 30, Sal’s Pizza will deploy food trucks to the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port. This iconic event, drawing thousands of participants, volunteers, and supporters, involves a series of athletic challenges, including cycling, walking, and running, all aimed at raising funds and awareness for Best Buddies’ programs. The presence of Sal’s Pizza food trucks will provide essential nourishment and a celebratory atmosphere for participants, volunteers, and spectators. This tangible, on-the-ground support extends Sal’s Pizza’s commitment beyond monetary contributions, demonstrating a holistic engagement with the Best Buddies community. By providing sustenance, Sal’s Pizza ensures that participants are well-fueled to complete their challenges, reinforcing the sense of community and shared purpose that defines the Hyannis Port event. This form of partnership is particularly valuable for large-scale endurance events, where logistical support and participant welfare are paramount.
The Vision of Best Buddies International: A Global Movement for Inclusion
Best Buddies International is a prominent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a clear and ambitious vision: to establish a global volunteer movement dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies has grown exponentially from a single chapter to an international force for change. Its core programs are meticulously designed to address critical areas of need for individuals with IDD:
- One-to-One Friendships: Combating social isolation by pairing individuals with IDD in meaningful, lasting friendships with their non-disabled peers. This foundational program fosters mutual understanding, respect, and shared experiences.
- Integrated Employment: Breaking down barriers to employment by providing job placement services and ongoing support, enabling individuals with IDD to secure and maintain meaningful paid employment. This not only offers economic independence but also boosts self-esteem and societal integration.
- Leadership Development: Equipping individuals with IDD with the skills and confidence to become leaders, advocates, and public speakers, empowering them to represent themselves and their community effectively.
- Inclusive Living: Developing opportunities for individuals with IDD to live independently and semi-independently in integrated settings, fostering greater autonomy and community participation.
- Family Support: Offering resources and networks for families of individuals with IDD, providing guidance, advocacy, and a sense of community.
Today, Best Buddies’ programs engage participants in all 50 states of the U.S. and extend into 41 countries worldwide, positively impacting the lives of nearly 1.5 million people with and without disabilities. The organization’s extensive reach and diverse program offerings underscore its leadership in the global movement for disability rights and inclusion. Their efforts directly contribute to a more accepting and integrated society where individuals with IDD are not merely tolerated but celebrated for their unique contributions.
Sal’s Pizza: A Legacy of Quality and Community Engagement
Sal’s Pizza, founded by Sal Lupoli in 1990, began with a single store in Salem, New Hampshire. From its humble beginnings, the company has grown into a regional powerhouse, boasting 130 locations primarily across New England. This remarkable expansion is a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality, its distinctive product offerings, and its deeply ingrained community-centric business model. Sal’s Pizza is renowned for using only the finest and freshest ingredients, a principle that has guided its operations since day one. A signature offering that has garnered widespread acclaim is its colossal 19-inch, three-pound pizza, a testament to its dedication to generous portions and robust flavor profiles. This iconic product has become a culinary landmark for many in the region.
Beyond its restaurant operations, Sal’s Pizza has successfully diversified its business by launching a retail line of pizzas and sauces. These products are now readily available in major grocery chains and wholesale clubs such as Market Basket, Big Y, and BJ’s, extending the brand’s reach into homes across the Northeast. Furthermore, Sal’s Pizza has established a significant presence in institutional food service, supplying hundreds of K-12 schools and universities nationwide. This expansion into retail and institutional markets showcases the company’s entrepreneurial spirit and its ability to adapt and grow while maintaining its core values. The company’s consistent growth and its widespread presence in diverse markets underscore its role as a significant regional employer and economic contributor. Its commitment to community involvement, as exemplified by the Best Buddies partnership, is a consistent thread throughout its history, solidifying its reputation as a socially responsible enterprise.
Broader Impact: Fostering a Culture of Corporate Social Responsibility
The partnership between Sal’s Pizza and Best Buddies International represents more than just a fundraising campaign; it embodies a growing trend in corporate social responsibility (CSR) where businesses align their operations with meaningful social causes. Such collaborations yield multifaceted benefits. For Best Buddies, it provides crucial financial resources, expanded public awareness, and a powerful platform to amplify its message of inclusion. For Sal’s Pizza, it enhances brand reputation, fosters customer loyalty among socially conscious consumers, and promotes a positive work environment where employees can take pride in their company’s contributions to the community.
In an era where consumers increasingly value businesses that demonstrate ethical practices and social engagement, partnerships like the "Round-Up" campaign serve as a model for how corporations can effectively leverage their platforms for societal good. The ease of participation through the "round-up" option minimizes barriers to entry for customers, encouraging widespread engagement and democratizing philanthropy. By making donations optional and flexible, Sal’s Pizza encourages a sense of collective action, where many small contributions combine to create a substantial impact. This approach not only raises vital funds but also subtly educates the public about the importance of supporting individuals with IDD and the profound positive effects of inclusive communities. The campaign’s success will undoubtedly inspire other businesses to explore similar philanthropic models, thereby expanding the ripple effect of corporate generosity across various social sectors. This initiative thus stands as a testament to the power of synergistic partnerships in building a more inclusive, compassionate, and connected world.
