TULSA, Okla. — The city of Brotherly Love is planting roots right here in Oklahoma.
Thousands of dollars in charity donations have been collected at the hands of a Philadelphia family who decided to embark on a journey of faith that lead them to Tulsa.
From waffles, to gelato, strati's and cakes, Puopolo’s Italian Creamery has it all. The local business is giving Oklahoma a taste of the northeast.
"If you're in Philadelphia you are not going to ask for Italian ice, you're going to ask for water ice,” Jim Eddy, owner of Puopolo’s said.
Puopolo's is named after a family matriarch and gives you a little slice of Italy in the heartland, but this family-run business is serving up more than sweet treats.
“We were talking one day, and we were talking about tips and what we wanted to do as far as that goes,” Kris Eddy, owner of Puopolo’s said. “And we all said you know what, we don't need the tips, let’s not do the tips, why don't we give them to charity."
The selfless thought took on a life of its own.
"Let's do it, let's see what happens,” Kris said. “Not thinking we would in five months be giving over $11,000 to charity."
A wall at the front of the business showcases and celebrates the local charities chosen each month.
"Every month we put out a poll on Facebook where people can comment and vote for which charity they want to see the tips go to,” Laura Eddy, social media manager at Puopolo’s said.
The most recent recipient was Joy in the Cause.
"We help people with life altering illness, special needs and crisis situations,” Lisa Bain, executive director for Joy in the Cause said. “The money they raised is going to go to help cancer patients to go in care packages."
The donations are collected from the hands of Tulsans who enter Puopolo’s with empty stomachs but leave with full hearts.
"They're the real deal and I think one of the highest compliments you can give someone is their authenticity, and this family is authentic and real,” Bain said.
The Eddy family gave up a life back in Philadelphia, walking in faith to find deeper roots in the Sooner state.
"There was a bigger plan at play here, and for me, it also confirms what we are doing with loving and supporting people in our tips for charity program,” Jim Eddy said. “It’s all centered around our faith, our values."
As Puopolo's continues to satisfy Oklahoma's sweet tooth, it’s also reminding Okies about the Oklahoma Standard.
If you'd like your charity to be a part of the Puopolo's charity tip's program, you must prove the organization is a 501-c-3.
One-hundred percent of tips go to the charity chosen each month.
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