Dough gooders

173345681

“I believe in good karma,” Marlo Dilks said of what primarily pushes her to hone an altruistic lifestyle. “In general, I feel I’m a very fortunate person, so I want to create positive energy and be as inclusive as possible.”

The 33-year-old and husband Jason have helmed SliCE, 1180 S. 10th St., since 2007 and have been generating affirmative vibes through numerous charitable endeavors. Thrilled to be thriving proprietors, they, especially as parents of four girls, derive equal joy from being able to use their shared sense of community growth to brighten futures.

“So much in life comes down to luck,” Jason, 38, said of the success that he and his bride, who will mark five years of marriage next month, have enjoyed. “We’re thankful for what we have and therefore want to do whatever good we can.”

The Queen Village dwellers, who last week participated in the Second Chance Foundation-benefiting Ya Gotta Try This culinary event, have given their wares to such causes as Give Kids Sight Day and the young entrepreneurs-themed Benjamin’s Desk. They also support the Arthur Ashe Foundation; Autism Speaks, whose 2013 walk at Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, Marlo enhanced by matching dollar for dollar the day’s tips and giving organizers customers’ donations; and the South Jersey-situated Bianca’s Kids, for whom she has organized a toy drive to help to grant wishes for foster and needy children.

“I’m just an average person who believes that if I put out life-affirming thoughts that it can lead to pay-it-forward responses,” Marlo said. “Let’s be honest. I give out pizza. I’m not giving away lobster tails, but it does make me happy that much of our outreach involves feeding people.”

“When you put everything in perspective, there are always going to be people who are far better off than you and those who are not as blessed,” Jason added. “We give back because we’re fortunately in a position where we become aware of causes and know that helping them will help others.”

Having acknowledged a Buddhist concept through her mention of karma, Marlo also made note of her adherence to Roman Catholicism’s believe that whatsoever one does for the least of God’s people, he or she has done for the creator, too. No matter what trials they might experience as business owners, especially since they have two other locations, the Dilks will persist in their insistence on lessening hunger and alienation.

“We’re honored to be difference makers,” Marlo said. “We don’t keep a running list of our activities because we just want to give and bring some relief to people. Like I said, I’m average. I give within my means, which, I think, is what everyone should do.”

Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.

2014 Difference Makers

/ L. Jay Agnes / Christine M. Beady / Jessica Calter / Mikki Capo /

/ Barbara Capozzi / Giovanna Cavaliere /

/ Christopher DiCapua / Marlo and Jason Dilks / Marie DiStefano / Beth Dougherty /

/ Cornell Drummond / Maureen Fratantoni / Etrulia (Trudy) Gay / Jess Gould /

/ David and Lisa Grainge / Richie Lazer / Tim Lidiak /

/ Shane Martin / Laura McColgan / Akhenaton Mikell / Russell Shoemaker / Lionel Simmons / Tom Wyatt/

173348881