One sweet way to support Francis in Philly

Philadelphia – As the City of Brotherly Love prepares to host the next World Meeting of Families – and Pope Francis’ first papal visit to America – a restaurant has come up with a tasty fundraiser to benefit planning efforts.

Beginning in April, Potbelly Sandwich Shop’s Philadelphia locations will sell a custom shake dubbed the #PopeInPhilly – a shortbread cookie and vanilla ice-cream concoction – for $3.90, with 50 cents of each sale being donated to the World Meeting of Families preparations, reported catholicnewsagency.

“We couldn’t be more excited by this initiative or more grateful to Potbelly Sandwich Shops for its unique approach to supporting the 2015 World Meeting of Families and Pope Francis’ visit,” Executive Director of World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015, Donna Crilley Farrell, said March 9.

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, handpicked the limited edition milkshake from among other contenders, such as the “World Family Mashup” and the “PHL Liberty Bell”, at a special tasting event with area Catholic school students.

“This is a fun – and delicious – way for citizens to help as we plan for this once-in-a-lifetime event, and to have Archbishop Paglia with us from Rome to select the flavor only adds to the growing excitement,” Crilley Farrell said.

The fundraiser stems from Potbelly’s corporate mission, “To Make People Really Happy”, Neighborhood Marketing Manager Jennifer Jaiswal said.

“We want to spread the Potbelly love by giving back to the neighborhoods in which we do business through fundraising, support and community involvement,” she said. “We are proud to support this exciting event, which allows Philadelphia to shine through!”

The World Meeting of Families will convene for the first time in the United States Sept. 22-27, 2015. The official theme will be “Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.”

Held every three years, the event was established by St. John Paul II in 1994 with the Year of the Family, aimed at strengthening family bonds around the world.

For those who have given up sweets for Lent, don’t worry.

The #PopeInPhilly shake will be available at Potbelly’s three Philadelphia locations until Sept. 30, shortly after the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families.