CLEVELAND —An Ohio restaurant is celebrating its anniversary by giving to others.


What You Need To Know

  • Crust is celebrating 10 years in business by donating $10,000 to A Special Wish Northeast Ohio

  • The non-profit is helping grant a girl in remission from leukemia get her wish to visit Disney Worldr

  • Crust is holding a fundraiser Sept. 17 and donating all profits to the cause


It’s Crust’s 10th year in business and the Cleveland pizza place is planning to donate at least $10,000 to help grant a wish for a child with a life-threatening illness.

The owner, Michael Griffin, said he plans to donate all profits Saturday, Sept. 17 to A Special Wish Northeast Ohio. He said he is also planning to match that donation. 

The money will go toward helping Ava Jarrett, 9, and her family travel to Disney World. 

Ava was diagnosed with leukemia about three years ago. She’s been in remission for almost a year. 

“I’ve never been this far in a pizza place,” Ava said, as she and her younger brother, Jameson, were invited in the kitchen to design their own specialty pizza to be sold during the fundraiser. 

“This is the best day of my life,” Jameson said. 

Griffin showed the siblings how to make a pepperoni pizza from scratch. On Saturday, the pepperonis will be in the shape of a smiley face. 

“You’re helping out a family and you’re doing what you like,” Griffin said. “It’s like a win-win.”

Ava’s mom Emily said she’s thankful for the restaurant’s support. 

“Makes you realize that there are still really good people out there and the world’s not all bad,” she said. 

A year ago, she said it was a difficult time as Ava was nearing the end of her treatment. 

“I think it’s gonna be a lifelong battle and struggles, but she’s a rock star,” Emily said. 

The fundraiser will take place from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at Crust.