The John Arena Foundation is a nonprofit program of the World Pizza Champions that is focused on supporting people living with Parkinson’s Disease and other movement-affecting neurological conditions by offering hands-on, culinary-based experiences designed to boost engagement, confidence, and quality of life.
The World Pizza Champions (WPC) is a globally recognized team of elite pizza makers, chefs, and culinary professionals dedicated to excellence, education, and community within the pizza industry. Known for competing—and winning—at the highest levels of pizza competitions around the world, WPC also places a strong emphasis on mentorship, collaboration, and giving back.
The John Arena Foundation is a program of the World Pizza Champions, born directly from the values that define the team: leadership, generosity, and using food as a force for good.
Our Mission: The John Arena Foundation brings people together through food, using hands-on culinary experiences to inspire movement, confidence, and connection for those living with Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders.
What we Do
The John Arena Foundation creates empowering culinary activities (like pizza-making classes) and social events tailored for people with Parkinson’s and similar movement disorders. These activities are meant to encourage movement, creativity, social connection, and skill-building for participants and their caregivers.
The goal is to help participants stay active and mentally engaged, which can positively influence overall well-being.