Meridian’s beloved Idaho Pizza Company is once again mobilizing its 16‑restaurant network for the annual Rally 4 Tally fundraiser, a community‑wide effort that supports families coping with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and funds research toward a cure.
Honoring a friend, fighting a disease
The event began as a personal tribute. In 2016, former employee Tal was diagnosed with ALS. He approached Vice President of Marketing Craig Quintero with the idea of turning his battle into a rallying point for the community. “He was actually a really good friend of mine growing up,” Quintero recalled. “He was 16 when we met, so we were teenagers.” Tal’s determination to raise awareness sparked a tradition that has grown into a statewide campaign.
How the fundraiser works
Every November, Idaho Pizza Company hangs pin‑up cards on its walls, inviting diners to contribute. This year’s pin‑up campaign runs through the Rally 4 Tally event, with 100 % of donations directed to the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s ALS programs. On the day of the event, the company will donate 20 % of all sales, and anyone who gives $5 or more is entered into a drawing for a year’s worth of free pizza.
Quintero explained, “When customers come in, we ask them if they’d like to support the cause.” The response has been strong; more families affected by ALS have reached out for resources and ways to get involved.
Goals and impact
This year the company has set an ambitious target of $75,000 – the highest goal ever for the fundraiser. Half of the money raised stays local, directly assisting Treasure Valley families living with ALS, while the other half supports national research efforts.
Beyond the dollars, the campaign raises vital awareness. “More and more people have reached out to us that have ALS or know someone with ALS, even maybe asking for resources or they want to get involved,” Quintero said. The initiative underscores the company’s broader culture of giving, a value Quintero says was instilled by his parents: “The culture my parents always wanted to kind of instill in here is that these guys are family. Take care of the employees, and then they’ll take care of the customers.”
How to help
Community members who cannot visit a restaurant can still contribute via the Rally 4 Tally website, where donation links are posted. The fundraiser not only provides financial assistance but also creates a network of support for those confronting this progressive disease.
Idaho Pizza Company’s Rally 4 Tally exemplifies how local businesses can rally around a cause, blending charitable giving with the family‑first values that define the Treasure Valley. As the event approaches, organizers hope the $75,000 goal will be met, delivering both immediate relief to families and a boost to the national fight for an ALS cure.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
