Wienerschnitzel Teams Up with Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to Honor Company Founder

Wienerschnitzel, home of America’s favorite chili dog, is honoring the legacy of late founder, John Galardi, by joining the fight against pancreatic cancer as the presenting sponsor of PurpleStride Orange County on Saturday, Nov. 12. The family-friendly 5K is hosted by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and provides vital awareness and funds for the disease. The Wienerschnitzel team, made up of more than 70 company executives and employees, will participate in the race in remembrance of Galardi, who founded the company in 1961 and passed away after his battle with pancreatic cancer in 2013.

“With a company mission of ‘serving food to serve others,’ we are committed to bettering every community our restaurants serve, but this is a cause that’s particularly near and dear to our hearts,” said Karen Galardi, Corporate Community Relations & Giving for Wienerschnitzel and daughter of John Galardi. “We are proud to honor my father’s memory and join forces with the countless families this unforgiving disease impacts to raise much needed funds and create hope for those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.”

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, with only 8 percent of patients alive five years after diagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and over 41,000 will die from the disease this year.

“The Wienerschnitzel family endured a tremendous loss when John passed away,” said Pamela Acosta Marquardt, Founder of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “Unfortunately, I hear these types of stories all the time. This is why it is vital we join together to increase awareness and funds to advance research for pancreatic cancer. Wienerschnitzel has made a commitment to do just that by signing on as our presenting sponsor for PurpleStride Orange County, and we could not be more thankful for their support. Together, we will wage hope for those who continue to fight.”

Registration for PurpleStride Orange County opens at 9 a.m. and opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m., at William Mason Regional Park (18712 University Dr., Irvine, CA 92612). To learn more or to sign up for the race, visit www.purplestride.com/orangecounty.

To learn more about how you can support our local affiliate and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, visit www.pancan.org.