OKEECHOBEE — As a result of Jersey Mike’s annual “Month of Giving,” the restaurant chain was able to raise and donate more than $30 million for charity nationwide this year.

Jersey Mike’s began its “Month of Giving” initiative in 2011. Since then, the annual fundraiser has raised more than $143 million for various charities, nonprofits, food banks, hospitals, etc. During the month of March each year, Jersey Mike’s locations collect donations for the charity chosen by individual franchises. In addition, on the last Wednesday of March, all sales proceeds are donated to that charity.

Locally, the Jersey Mike’s franchise is owned by Kalo Companies which was founded by Angelo and Kim Crowell. This franchise has supported Quantum House for many years.

Quantum House, like the Ronald McDonald House, offers a good night's sleep to families who have a loved one being treated at Saint Mary’s hospital in West Palm Beach.

Jessica Baker, Jersey Mike’s Catering Sales Manager, and Morocca Wiley, Marketing Director for Kalo Companies travelled to Okeechobee on Tuesday, May 6 so they could present Quantum House representatives with a check for $255,984.

Representing Quantum House were President and CEO Greg Quattlebaum, Phil Engman and Mike Mitrione.      

Mitrione explained Quantum House has thirty guest rooms for families who need a place to stay during treatment at Saint Mary's Hospital. Not only do the families have a place to sleep, but the Quantum House also offers community kitchens, dining rooms, playrooms, a business center, fitness center, laundry room and more. Payment to use the rooms is by donation only. Though the suggested donation amount is $45, he said no one is ever turned away because they can’t afford to donate. “We serve over 1500 families over the course of a year. Families can stay for a week, a month or multiple months."

Peter Cancro, who founded the Jersey Mike’s company, was only 14 years old when he began working for a small sub shop in Point Pleasant, New jersey, and two years later, with help from his football coach, Cancro was able to buy the restaurant, soon opening two more. Changing the name to Jersey Mike’s in 1987, Cancro soon began selling franchises and now boasts more than 3,000 restaurants bear the name Jersey Mike’s.

If you would like to support Quantum House, more information is available on their website www.quantumhouse