After years of support, California Pizza Kitchen selected Starlight as its national charity partner in 2008. Initially, the company is donating $1 million to Starlight over four years - $250,000 each year. Through the alliance, Starlight and California Pizza Kitchen have created a signature series of CPKids Camp Great EscapesTM providing seriously ill children and their families with the opportunity to ‘pause to play.’ CPKids Camps have taken place in numerous cities across the country and continue to do so. CPK executives and employees participate as volunteers and do everything they can to make these events extra special. In addition to the camps, several California Pizza Kitchen restaurants have hosted “Make Your Own Pizza” Great Escapes for Starlight’s kids and families.
At Starlight’s 2010 A Stellar Night gala, CPK’s Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax were honored to receive Starlight’s Hearts of Gold Award for their ongoing commitment to children and families everywhere.
“We believe in doing everything we can to improve the lives of the families in the communities we serve. Starlight’s Great Escapes program provides a fitting avenue for us to brighten the lives of some of the most vulnerable and lonely children.”
— Co-founders and Co-CEOs of California Pizza Kitchen Larry Flax & Rick Rosenfield