Community Comes Together at Annual Block Party to Support Pancreatic Cancer Fight
Monday, May 11th, 2026
Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant once again brought the community together for its annual Community Block Party, a beloved tradition celebrating nearly three decades of gratitude, family fun, and philanthropy, all in support of the fight against pancreatic cancer.
Hosted by Casa Nuova, the event continues to unite friends, families, and local supporters for an afternoon filled with live music, entertainment, and a complimentary buffet of the restaurant’s signature dishes. More than just a celebration, the Block Party serves as a powerful reminder of what a community can accomplish when it comes together for a meaningful cause.
Maria Fundora, owner of Casa Nuova and founder of Purple Pansies, established the nonprofit in 2009 after losing her mother to pancreatic cancer. What began as a deeply personal loss has grown into a mission-driven organization dedicated to raising awareness, advancing research, and providing direct support to those affected by the disease.
“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of Casa Nuova and Cork & Glass,” said Fundora. “Hosting this event each year is our way of giving back and saying thank you to the community that has supported both our restaurant and wine shop from the very beginning. This year’s Block Party raised $30,500, which will go directly toward supporting families impacted by pancreatic cancer and funding critical research.”
Since its founding, Purple Pansies has raised more than $8 million to support pancreatic cancer patients and their families. The organization provides emergency financial assistance, awards scholarships to students impacted by the disease, and funds critical research and clinical trials, all while operating as a fully volunteer-run nonprofit.
For more information about Purple Pansies or to get involved, visit purplepansies.org.
