It wasn’t just sandwiches being served at Jersey Mike’s on Jefferson Boulevard this Monday. It was generosity, in a big way. The sub shop handed over a check worth $23,086 to Catholic Charities of Fort Wayne-South Bend — money raised during its annual “Month of Giving” campaign.

This isn’t the first time the popular chain has leaned into community service. But for this Fort Wayne neighborhood, it was personal. It felt like more than just a donation. It was a reminder that local businesses can — and do — make a difference when they care enough to show up.

A Month of Subs That Turned into Something Bigger

March might feel like forever ago, but the effort that led to this donation started months back. Jersey Mike’s runs its giving campaign every March — a tradition that’s been going strong since 2011.

This year, it was Fort Wayne’s turn to shine. And shine it did.

The West Jefferson Boulevard location, owned by Tommy Pipatjarasgit, went all in. They rallied customers. Promoted it in-store. Let every footlong sub carry just a bit more purpose. By the time March wrapped, they’d raked in over $23,000.

That’s not pocket change. That’s rent, groceries, therapy sessions, and backpacks for kids. That’s impact.

One sentence from Tommy summed it up: “Just the joy of giving back is amazing.”

The Check Handoff: Sub Shop Meets Social Service

The check wasn’t handed off behind closed doors or over email. No PR tricks. No VIP event. It happened right there at the sandwich counter.

Staff from Catholic Charities showed up to meet the team, snap a few photos, and shake hands with the folks who made it happen — the crew, the customers, and Tommy.

Ray Fernandez, Jersey Mike’s VP of operations, flew in for the moment. And he wasn’t shy about where the credit belonged.

“If I was to speak to every single guest, I’d thank them from the bottom of my heart for everything they contributed to this,” he said.

It was simple. Sincere. And very human.

Where the Money’s Going — More Than Just a Drop in the Bucket

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, or CCFWSB for short, has been around since 1922. Quietly doing the work that keeps families afloat.

This one-time donation won’t solve poverty or end homelessness. But it’ll help push the needle. A little more room in the counseling budget. More shelf stock for food pantries. A few extra coats on the clothing drive racks.

Here’s just a glimpse of what CCFWSB does every year:

• Runs emergency assistance programs for families in crisis

• Offers free and low-cost counseling for mental health support

• Mentors youth through long-term guidance programs

• Hosts food distributions and clothing drives year-round

• Supports immigrants and refugees with legal aid and housing

There’s always more need than there is money. But this? This helps.

Local Businesses Are Stepping Up More Often

Something is happening across Indiana — and the Midwest, really. Local businesses aren’t waiting for big institutions to step in. They’re making noise, writing checks, and rolling up their sleeves.

According to Giving USA’s 2024 report, corporate giving grew by nearly 4% last year, driven mostly by small and mid-sized businesses. Not all of them are handing over five-digit checks, but more are trying to give in whatever way they can.

And in cities like Fort Wayne, that matters.

“People notice when a local shop steps up,” said Tina Morgan, a nonprofit fundraiser who’s worked with dozens of small charities in the region. “It builds trust. It creates community. It’s more than PR — it’s relationship-building.”

One sentence. That’s what she said. But it hits hard.

Not Just a Transaction — A Community Loop

This wasn’t a one-sided gesture. Jersey Mike’s gave. The community gave back. And round it goes.

Tommy, the franchise owner, called it a “partnership.”

And that’s really what it looked like. No hierarchy. Just neighbors supporting neighbors.

Take a look at how this partnership stacks up, compared to other similar efforts around Indiana:

Customers Didn’t Just Buy Lunch — They Bought In

One of the quieter truths behind this donation is that it didn’t come from the company alone. It came from the people.

Every time someone walked in and ordered a sub, they were part of it.

Sometimes they dropped an extra dollar in the jar. Sometimes they just showed up and ate. All of it counted.

Ray Fernandez said it best: “This belongs to the customers. They made it possible.”

That kind of statement isn’t just lip service. It’s recognition that generosity works better when it’s shared.