Foundation to host Chocolate Fest to assist children and families battling illness

The Piggyback Foundation of Youngstown is hosting its second Chocolate Fest, a fundraiser to benefit children and families facing life threatening illness.

The event will take place at the Magic Tree Pub and Eatery in Boardman on May 11 from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and include an all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet. The Magic Tree will also be offering half-off wine specials.

Tickets can be purchased in advance via www.piggybackyoungstown.com. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door. The event also includes a 50/50 raffle and a basket auction.

Sponsors of the event include The Goddard School in Boardman and Bisconti Orthodontics.

All proceeds from the event benefit children in Youngstown in families battling life-threatening illness.

In its inaugural year, Piggyback Foundation of Youngstown poured about $10,500 worth of goods and services into the Youngstown community. The Foundation currently has three adopted families, and hopes to raise that number to five by the end of year two.

The Piggyback Foundation of Youngstown is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to maintaining normalcy for families experiencing life-threatening illness. The Foundation provides funding, referrals and volunteers to help with family’s emotional needs - specifically those of the children. Over the past year, the Foundation has provided a backyard play set for a 6-year-old battling cancer; ongoing tutoring for continued academic success; a family membership to the YMCA and Neptunes Swim Team; all school supplies and fees paid for eight children; grocery gift cards to provide Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, along with gifts for all family members; and numerous opportunities for family togetherness including movies, bowling and dinners.

For more information about the Chocolate Fest and about The Piggyback Foundation of Youngstown, visit www.piggybackyoungstown.com.