Happy Joe’s: More Than Just Pizza
Happy Joe’s is more than your typical pizza and ice cream joint. For over 45 years the company has been giving to children with special needs from all over the midwest. Happy Joe’s is home to the original taco pizza, but you can find loads of specialty pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, and ice cream.
Beginning in Minot, North Dakota by Lawerence Joseph Whitty in 1972, it was always a family affair as his children took on some of the daily needs of the Happy Joe’s restaurant. Joe Whitty’s philanthropy included Partners in Education, Junior Achievement, and The Handicapped Development Center.
A non-profit organization was organized by Joe naming it Happy Joe’s Kids Foundation which focuses on helping special needs children and their families. Many of his 60 locations still hold fundraisers, honoring his legacy. One located in Clinton Iowa gives back to the children in their community by hosting a yearly party.
It is free of charge to the children that join as well as giving their young guests a book. A similar holiday party is held annually at the Quad City Illinois location, hosted for the children’s special needs community (Bizjournals).
The Quad City branch also donated 50 thousand to families of children with disabilities. Fundraisers held by Happy Joe’s in Green Bay Wisconsin raise money for local elementary schools. Even though Joe Whitty has passed, the Happy Joe’s brand has maintained the original owner’s legacy of helping children of all kinds.