Sofia Vergara Is Hungry For Hope!

Emmy-award winning actress and philanthropist, Sofia Vergara will join forces with Buca di Beppo, the authentic, family-style Italian restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine to over 97 US locations, for the "Meatballs 4 Ninos," a campaign that aims to raise money and awareness for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and its mission of finding cures and saving children fighting cancer and other deadly diseases. The "Meatballs 4 Ninos" restaurant-specific charitable program will launch nationwide beginning January 22, 2014.

Sharing a common mission, Vergara and Buca are dedicated to making an impact, boosting awareness and raising funds to support the St. Jude Give Thanks. Give Hope. Campaign. Drawing upon its commitment to the family experience, Buca di Beppo will donate $1 to St. Jude for every meatball appetizer, entree, and side dish served in the restaurant and will also apply when ordering Buca-to-Go.

As a spokesperson for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Sofia is passionate about children's health and the family's well-being. The "Meatballs 4 Ninos" dishes will raise awareness and funds for this important cause, while bringing to the forefront a classic, beloved dish that encourages sharing and creating new memories.

"We're honored that Sofia is partnering with Buca to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital," said Robert Earl. "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does everything possible to save the lives of children fighting cancer, and they freely share their research breakthroughs with other doctors around the world, which helps save kids in communities everywhere. While our customers are enjoying some of our world-famous meatballs, they will also be giving hope to the patients at St. Jude and children with cancer in communities across America."

"It means so much to me that one of my favorite restaurants is supporting a cause so dear to me," said Sofia Vergara. "And thanks to programs like 'Meatballs 4 Ninos,' families never receive a bill from St. Jude for anything not for treatment, travel housing or food so all families have to worry about is helping their child live. I hope everyone will visit Buca di Beppo to experience their legendary meatballs and support St. Jude."

Made from the highest-quality ingredients and slow-cooked in fresh marinara sauce, Buca di Beppo is best known for their half-pound, mouth-watering meatballs, which are made fresh daily. The restaurant's commitment to the cause will also be extended to customers who order from the "Buca di Beppo To Go" online menu.

To make reservations or to find the closest Buca di Beppo location please visit http://www.bucadibeppo.com/reservations.

About Buca di Beppo

Owned by Planet Hollywood International, Inc., with locations from New York City to Honolulu, Buca di Beppo restaurants embody the Italian traditions of food, friendship and hospitality. Dishes enjoyed for generations in villages throughout Italy inspire the menu, which features both Northern and Southern Italian favorites. While the food has pleased millions of palates from coast-to-coast, Buca di Beppo is equally famous for its quirky decor and upbeat atmosphere. Most Buca di Beppo locations are open daily for lunch and dinner. Delivery is also available at many locations nationwide. Visit www.bucadibeppo.com for locations, hours of operation, menus, reservations or to place an online order for Buca To Go. Or Follow Buca di Beppo on Facebook or Twitter: bucadibeppo.