Christian Brothers Academy’s self-described pickle connoisseur is using his small business to lend a helping hand this Thanksgiving season.

Junior Will Sakoutis, who founded Slick Willy’s Dills in 2019, has pledged to donate all proceeds from CBA community purchases to this fall’s Thanksgiving Food Drive.

“The idea to sell Slick Willy’s in support of the Food Drive was the great idea of theology teacher Mr. [Matt] Butler who actually came to me last year with the proposal,” Sakoutis says. “We both knew we wanted it to happen for this year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive, so I went to Mr. [Matt] Meehan who gave me the okay and sent out the order form to the school.”

Ultimately, Sakoutis’ plan to use his pickle business for the Food Drive comes after the incredible support that he has received from the CBA community. Since entering the Academy as a freshman, students and teachers alike have been purchasing pickles regularly, which come in multiple varieties such as original dill, spicy, Old Bay and more.

His charitable contribution to the 2024 Food Drive is not the first time he has used his business to give back. Upon founding Slick Willy’s, Sakoutis made it a priority to donate a portion of sales to help those in need. To date, he has contributed over $7,000 to both Lunch Break in Red Bank and the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

Of course, Sakoutis credits much of what he has learned about serving others to his experiences at CBA. He is a regular on the Lasallian Youth outreach trips to local community food banks and kitchens, all while balancing his academics, athletics, and business.

“CBA has helped me to realize the dire need for aid within our community,” he says. “I am fortunate that I have been able to leverage the success of Slick Willy’s Dills to contribute towards this cause.”

As for his current mission to contribute as much as possible to the Food Drive, Sakoutis is proud to report that it is off to a good start. Within three days of the email being sent to the student body, he sold over 70 jars of pickles, which cost $8 each. Students and faculty are being directed to this special Google Form to place an order.

Regardless of whether or not CBA students purchase Slick Willy’s pickles this November, Sakoutis encourages his fellow classmates to contribute in any way that they can during the season of giving.

“The Academy provides many opportunities to get involved in local service, so take advantage of these opportunities as you will learn lessons that you won’t learn anywhere else, not even in the classroom.”