The Article below was published in Vol. 136, Issue 8 of the Lake Forest College Stentor on April 30, 2021.
Casey LaBonte ’22
Staff Writer
Donati’s Pizza in Lake Bluff has made it their mission to express generosity since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The local pizzeria can give all of us lessons on humanity, being good neighbors, and what it means to show up.
Many of us have faced adversity and challenges throughout the pandemic, and restaurants and locally-owned businesses have been hit the hardest. These challenges have not stopped Donati’s Pizza from giving back to the people in their community who need help.
The mandated government shutdowns affected the Shields Township Food Pantry. The pantry is where many local residents go to receive food when they don’t have the financial means to shop for groceries. Donati’s Pizza has stepped up to the plate to bridge the gap made even larger due to COVID-19.
Over the course of several weeks, Donati’s provided groceries for 65 families and even received help from the local Lake Forest High School football team to fill the demand when Shields Township Food Pantry was not able. These 65 families were on meal-dependent plans throughout the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff communities. Since the government had shut down restaurants, Donati’s used their storefronts in the most efficient way possible.
Owner Jeff Urso shared that he used social media to spread the word to those in need. He and his team engaged the Lake Bluff School District 65 by having members hand out vouchers to families with students in their schools. These vouchers were redeemable for meals at Donati’s.
Donati’s made an impact on the community by helping other local businesses as well. Not only did it create an on-the-spot food pantry, but it also helped other businesses, by switching their taps to Lake Bluff Brewery beer and by selling products from Suzy’s Swirl in their restaurant.
When asked how it feels to give back to the community, Urso had many generous things to share. “I’m in the food business,” Urso noted. “Our mission is to feed everyone.”
Commenting on Urso’s charitable efforts, James Warrick, who works in Lake Forest, stated,
“I think it was great for the area…I hope what Urso did causes others to be more vocal, but also find other ways to give back.”
Lake Forest College student, Matt Memolo ’22, also commended the pizzeria’s actions during the pandemic. “With all the frustration and hate that was going around in 2020 due to social injustice, it is great to see that many are still offering a helping hand,” said Memolo.
Donati’s continues to help others in any way they can. Through it all, Urso remains optimistic that business will be stronger than ever soon. He’s so optimistic that he’s opening a new restaurant in Lake Forest this coming fall.
