Pizza Wars 2017 was a huge success! Hosted by the District 99 Education Foundation and held at South High School in Downers Grove, the fundraising event served over 700 guests and raised over $15,000.00 to support District 99 students by providing innovative teacher grants and student scholarships.
This year, the event recognized three winners: Best Crust – Olive Theory Pizzeria, Best Sauce – Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria and Best Overall – Tortorice’s Pizza! The voting for all categories was very close, which proves that all of the participants have outstanding pizza!
In total, ten pizza vendors donated an estimated 500 pizzas and provided 30 staff to serve over 700 guests within two hours. “The District 99 community should become patrons of Pizza Wars vendors, if they aren’t already,” stated Martha Merilos, Pizza Wars Chairperson and District 99 Education Foundation Board Member. “Since these pizza places support our students, we should support them.”
In addition to pizza, this year Pizza Wars held a raffle with over 20 gift baskets to choose from. Goodies were provided by District 99 Foundation Board Members and a host of local retail stores and restaurants. Split the pot made someone $205.00 richer. The violin music, played by South High student Michael Beube, added to the festive atmosphere.
“We cannot forget our generous sponsors,” stated Denise Callarman, Executive Director of the Foundation. “Because of them, ticket prices remained very reasonable.” Three top level sponsors, donating $1,000.00 each, were Tim’s Professional Painting, Inc., Wight & Company and orthopedist Dr. Lawrence Lieber.
Find all of the Pizza Wars vendors on the Foundation’s website at d99ef.org. Please support their commitment to excellence in education by being a loyal patron. See you next year at Pizza Wars 2018!
For information about how you can directly support the Foundation, please visit their website at d99ef.org,
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