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Pizza raises dough
The Vindicator (Youngstown)
Photo
David Fielding, 2, of Hudson, chows down on a slice of pizza during The Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook-Off on Sunday at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman. Looking on is David’s mother, Audrey Fielding. They were among more than 1,000 who attended the event, a fundraiser for The Potential Development Program/School of Autism agency.
The Vindicator (Youngstown)
Photo
Lori Greenwalt, left, and Lynn Guerrieri of Gia’s Pizzeria in Boardman serve up their specialties during The Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook-off on Sunday.
PIZZA COOK-OFF
Sixteen area pizza establishments participated in Sunday’s March 27 second annual Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook-Off that helped raise over $10,000 for The Potential Development Program/School of Autism.
Participants were:
Bella Napoli Pizza & Pasta, Canfield; Belleria, Boardman; Bino’s; Brier Hill; Bruno Bros Pizza; Cocca’s Pizza; Gia’s Pizzeria; Gordy’s Specialty Market; Ianazone’s; Mahoning Valley Strikers; Pete’s Place; Pizza Joe’s; Pizza Works; Southgate Pizza; Sunrise Inn, Austintown; and Wedgewood Pizza.
Source: Potential Development Program
Benefit in Boardman beckons 1,000
BOARDMAN
More than 1,000 pizza lovers must have thought they were in pizza heaven Sunday at the second annual Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook-off.
The cook-off is the signature fundraiser for the Potential Development Program/School of Autism.
Sixteen of the area’s pizza establishments competed for the title of Maestro Di Cucina, best in show, won by Cocca’s Pizza. Sunrise Inn, Austintown, was voted the People’s Choice for the second year in row. Several other pizza restaurants took home awards as well.
But the biggest winner of the night was the Potential Development Program, a private nonprofit agency, and the 90 children it serves each day.
“The support of the community has been tremendous. To have over 1,000 people come out says a lot about the agency and the good work it’s doing, and with their help, will continue to do,” said Paul Garchar, Potential Development executive director.
Garchar said the total revenue from Sunday’s cook-off would not be known until all the auctions and the 50-50 raffle had been tallied. But ticket sales alone, at $10 each, raised between $10,000 and $11,000, he said.
Garchar thanked the pizzerias that made the event possible and the sponsors, including Beautistone, an affiliate of Simon Roofing, event sponsor; and Home Savings Charitable Foundations, Cocca’s Pizza, and Columbiana Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Grandissimo sponsors.
The agency’s first pizza cook-off last year attracted 750 guests, forcing Potential Development to find a larger venue. Sunday’s event at Mr. Anthony’s also was sold out.
Among the pizza-loving guests were Greg Bickle and Lamel Betti of Poland, and their friends, Joe and Sabrina Ramirez and their children, Ethan and Rhyan, of Kingsville.
“We like pizza and enjoy time with our friends. It also helps support a local charity and stresses something positive about the Youngstown area,” Bickle said.
Christine and Ralph Williams crossed the border from West Middlesex, Pa., for a good cause, a good family time, and a chance to enjoy pizza with their friends, Tony and Tonia First, and their children, Trevor and Trenton, of Canfield.
The Cook-Off also gave area pizzarias a chance to see their competition in person.
“Mahoning County is one of the toughest markets in the country. There are a lot of great recipes,” said Joe Seminara of New Castle, Pa., owner of Pizza Joe’s. He started making pizzas in 1980 with his mother, Clara, using the family recipe. Now Pizza Joe’s has 22 stores in Ohio and 46 in Pennsylvania.
With all the great pizza in the area, the secret is service and building relationships with customers like the “mom and pop” store that started it all, he said.