BOISE, Idaho — An Idaho-grown company has raised over $212,000 since 2017 to honor a former employee diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, (ALS).
Idaho Pizza Company has an annual "Rally 4 Tally" fundraiser, now in its seventh year, continues to raise money for ALS research in memory of Tal Newberry, a beloved employee who passed away from the disease in 2019. KTVB has covered the fundraiser for years, the stations beloved Larry Gebert often visited the event.
This year, the company had a goal of raising $45,000 but is on track to exceed $50,000, with support pouring in from the community.
"People come in even if they've already donated; they feel compelled to give again because it's such a meaningful cause,” Idaho Pizza Company employee Adam Hammack told KTVB Saturday.
The campaign began on Oct. 25 and finished Nov. 9 when all 16 Idaho Pizza Company locations donated 20% of the day's sales to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Idaho.
Throughout the campaign, customers could also purchase "Rally 4 Tally" pinups for any donation amount, which were posted in the restaurants as symbols of support for ALS families.
Idaho Pizza Company President Bubba McNicholl said the mission is personal for the company, which has watched the fundraiser grow from a heartfelt gesture to a community-wide effort.
“We just felt a passion and a mission to help with ALS,” he said. “There’s not a lot of information out there, and there’s no cure—but we’re here to keep up the fight.”
Tal Newberry’s impact at Idaho Pizza Company was profound, and McNicholl said his memory fuels their commitment.
“Tal was such a caring, loving person who really embraced the battle against ALS,” McNicholl said. “Even after his diagnosis, he wanted to help others. We’re so thankful he was able to be part of this for several years.”
With community support only growing each year, McNicholl and his team believe that a cure is possible someday.
“We’re going to keep fighting ALS forever. There will be a day when there’s a cure, but we’ll keep going even then,” he said. “What’s important to know is how positive Tal was—and that spirit is what drives us.”
The 2024 campaign may have wrapped up in stores, but donations to "Rally 4 Tally" are still welcomed online.