Pizza cook-off raises more than $80,000

The eighth annual Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook-off took place March 5 at Mr. Anthony’s, Boardman, and raised more than $80,000 for Potential Development School for Students with Autism. A panel of 13 judges voted on entries in four categories, and the 1,300 attendees voted on the people’s choice award. The winner of the best traditional pizza category was Gia’s Pizza; best gourmet pizza, Pizza Joe’s; best non-red pizza, Bruno Bros.; best Brier Hill pizza, Belleria of Warren; and people’s choice, Cocca’s Pizza. Gia’s Pizza also was named Maestro di Cucina, with the highest total score in all the categories, and was the overall winner of the competition. From left, are Sue Strickland, board president of Potential Development and vice president of marketing for Simon Roofing; Frank Guerrieri, co-owner and operator of Gia’s Pizza; Paul Garchar, executive director of Potential Development; and Lynn Guerreri, co-owner and operator of Gia’s Pizza. In front are Angelo and Gia Guerreri. SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR