Village Idiot Pizza announces ninth annual ‘Pizza for Preemies’ with new mission to support local children’s hospital

After raising $88,000 over eight years, the Columbia restaurant’s signature fundraiser will benefit Prisma Health Children’s Hospital through Children’s Miracle Network for the first time.

Village Idiot Pizza announced the return of its ninth annual Pizza for Preemies fundraiser this November, marking an exciting new chapter for the beloved community initiative. After raising an impressive $88,000 since its inception, the locally owned restaurant is shifting its fundraising efforts to directly benefit Prisma Health Children’s Hospital- Richland and Children’s Miracle Network, strengthening its commitment to supporting children and families right here in the Midlands.

Founded by Village Idiot Pizza owners Brian and Kelly Glynn following the premature birth of their twins, Liam and Willow, Pizza for Preemies has become a meaningful annual tradition for the restaurant and the Columbia community. The campaign takes place each November in recognition of Prematurity Awareness Month, encouraging guests to give back through something as simple as enjoying their favorite pizza.

The initiative was inspired by the Glynns’ own experience when their twins were born at just 28 weeks, weighing 2 pounds, 9 ounces and 1 pound, 11 ounces. After spending 71 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Liam and Willow were finally able to come home in November 2017. That life-changing experience sparked a lasting commitment to supporting other families navigating the uncertainty of premature birth and neonatal care.

For the past eight years, Pizza for Preemies has supported March of Dimes, raising awareness and critical funds for maternal and infant health. Now, the Glynns are building on that legacy by directing the campaign’s fundraising efforts toward their local children’s hospital, where contributions can support pediatric patients and families in their own community.

“Pizza for Preemies has always been incredibly personal to our family, and we’re so proud of what our community has helped us accomplish over the years,” said Kelly Glynn, co-owner of Village Idiot Pizza. “Now that the twins are older, we felt it was time to take the next step and find a way to make an even greater impact here at home. Partnering with Children’s Miracle Network to support Prisma Health Children’s Hospital gives us the opportunity to help children and families in our own backyard, and we couldn’t be more excited about this next chapter.”

Throughout the entire month of November, Village Idiot Pizza is making it easier than ever for the Columbia community to give back. Guests can support Pizza for Preemies through direct donations on the restaurant’s website, rounding up their purchases at checkout, or simply dining at any Village Idiot Pizza location, where a portion of the month’s sales will be donated to the cause.  The restaurant will also introduce a special Little Gems Caesar Salad, available exclusively throughout November, with 100% of sales from the featured salad donated to the fundraiser.

In addition to its monthlong fundraising efforts, Village Idiot Pizza will host a family-friendly event in partnership with ColaBabySocialClub, a local moms group, on November 11 from 4–6 p.m. at its Olympia location. Families are invited to become “Little Chefs with a Big Impact” as parents and children get hands-on in the kitchen, creating their own custom large pizzas while supporting a meaningful cause. Sales from the event will benefit Pizza for Preemies, offering a fun and interactive way for families to give back together.

Village Idiot Pizza will also participate in the annual Festival of Trees on November 20 where attendees will have the opportunity to bid on a special wreath donated by the restaurant. The event provides another opportunity to rally community support and raise awareness for the campaign’s new local beneficiary, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network.

“Every dollar makes a difference in a child’s life. When you give to Children’s Miracle Network, 100% of your donation stays local, funding life-saving treatments, equipment, and family support at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands.  Our local Children’s Hospital treats over 150,000 kids across the Midlands each year,” says Lynn Hazel, Director of Children’s Miracle Network- Prisma Health Midlands Foundation. “The services and programs that we have would not be possible without donations from our community and partners like Village Idiot Pizza.”

As Pizza for Preemies enters its ninth year, Village Idiot Pizza hopes to inspire even greater community participation and continue demonstrating the impact that local businesses and their customers can make together.

For more information about Pizza for Preemies and how to participate, visit www.villageidiotpizza.com or follow @idiotpizza on Instagram.

About Village Idiot Pizza

Village Idiot Pizza has proudly served the Columbia community since 1990, becoming one of the area’s longest-standing local restaurants. Originally founded in Five Points by three college friends from New Jersey, the New York-style pizza joint has been owned and operated by Brian and Kelly Glynn since 2003. Known for its authentic pizza, welcoming atmosphere and commitment to community, Village Idiot Pizza continues to bring people together through good food and meaningful philanthropic initiatives.