COLUMBIA, SC – Village Idiot Pizza is proud to announce the launch of its seventh annual ‘Pizza for Preemies’ campaign for the month of November 2024, in support of March of Dimes. Each year, Village Idiot Pizza participates in this campaign to raise crucial funds for mothers and babies through South Carolina’s March of Dimes. The campaign kicks off on November 1 and runs through November 30. This year, the restaurant aims to raise at least $10,000, building on last year’s success of $13,253, which brought total contributions to over $42,000 since the campaign’s start in 2017.

Current owners Kelly and Brian Glynn, who purchased the restaurant in 2003, have a personal connection to the cause. As parents of premature twins born at 28 weeks, they hold this initiative close to their hearts. This year marks both the campaign’s seventh anniversary and the twins’ seventh birthday, making the campaign even more meaningful to the Glynns.

The restaurant proudly supports South Carolina’s March of Dimes and is honored to be a presenting sponsor of the premier Signature Chef Auction on November 7, an event featuring Columbia’s top chefs and auctions to raise critical funds for healthy moms and babies. The Glynns also actively contribute to the Prisma Health Richland Hospital’s NICU Family Support Program, a partnership established with March of Dimes to support families with infants in the NICU.

Support Pizza for Preemies by dining in, taking out, or making a direct donation. Both Village Idiot Pizza locations will be bringing back the popular ‘Pesto Preemivera’, featuring a pesto base, mozzarella, onion, mushroom, tomato, feta, and pepperoni, with proceeds directly benefiting March of Dimes. On World Prematurity Day, November 17, Village Idiot Pizza will be offering guests who dine in a chance to win free pizza for a year. In addition, Village Idiot Pizza will also host a ‘Shop & Slice’ event in collaboration with Kendra Scott on November 4 from 4pm to 6pm. Guests who purchase items during this event will be entered for a chance to win a $100 Kendra Scott gift card and a $100 Village Idiot Pizza gift card. A percentage of every in-person purchase and online sale using code ‘GIVEBACK-HMNQK’ through November 4 and November 5 will also be donated directly to March of Dimes as part of Pizza for Preemies.⁠

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We believe that every baby deserves the best possible start. For 80 years, March of Dimes has helped millions of babies survive and thrive. We support moms throughout their pregnancy, even when everything doesn’t go according to plan. We advocate for policies that prioritize their health. We support radical improvements to the care they receive. And we pioneer research to find solutions to the biggest health threats to moms and babies.

Village Idiot Pizza has proudly served the Columbia community for over 30 years and has been a fixture of the Five Points district since 1990. Five Points, originally known as “Five Points Village,” was the first commercial district outside of Main Street. The New York style pizza joint and pub was opened by three college friends from New Jersey who lovingly referred to themselves as “the village idiots.” Village Idiot Pizza is one of the longest-standing businesses in the area.

Current owners, Kelly and Brian Glynn, who purchased the original enterprise in 2003 have lasting ties to the restaurant. The dynamic duo met at Village Idiot in their 20’s when working at the restaurant — Kelly as a server and Brian as a cook. Together they have not only expanded to two locations, but built a community around good people and good food. The Glynns actively serve on many committees and boards, and give back through philanthropic efforts like “Pizza for Preemies” to support the March of Dimes every November. There’s always something going on at any Village Idiot Pizza location from Music Bingo, Trivia, and an ever changing pizza of the month. Village Idiot Pizza recently announced franchise partnership opportunities throughout South Carolina.