Two thousand people braved the cold Friday evening to attend the 2012 Kickoff of Pizza Oven Charities at the Canton Memorial Civic Center. Founders Joe and Georgia DiPietro, who organized the sixth annual kickoff, greeted their many friends at the fundraiser for the Canton Ex-Newsboys Association.
For the DiPietros the event is always a family affair. Granddaughter Alex Di-
Pietro drove in from Pittsburgh to help, while granddaughter Hannah DiPietro served personal pizzas. “This is fun because we get to see so many old friends,” she said. Another granddaughter, Marija Condric, ran the coat check with Karla Pittman.
In the kitchen, son Jerry DiPietro organized an assembly line to make 1,200 pizzas, assisted by the Di-
Pietros’ grandsons Sal and Austin DiPietro, Craig Johnson, Jessica Phillips, Mike Mestor and Tom Beppler.
Kathleen Dierdorf and Hattie Purses sold raffle tickets, while Sam and Rhonda Randazzo, Jim Justice, Joe Andaloro and Tom Wise served beverages.
Mark and Jody Thurin greeted Chuck and Claire Knott, while at a table nearby Tim Nagel joined Gary Wigington, Craig Eddy, Rick and Emmy Elkins and Dale and Alberta McKimm.
Guests danced on a sparkling dance floor to music provided by La Flavour and Jimmy & the Soul Blazers. Dancers included Pat and George Lyons, Ellen and Bruce Beckle, Cathy and Rich Monter and Deanna Barbato and Gary Elsass. Harry and Liz Eynon twirled across the dance floor with grandchildren Drew, 7, and Carys, 4.
“This is like a reunion,” Tim McCully said as he enjoyed the party with his wife, Rhonda, his brother and sister-in-law, Toby and Debbie McCully, Steve and Nancy Ingram, Fred Ambach, Noelle Broucker, Cindy Pascu and Ron Tomblin. Ernie Scozzarella enjoyed the event with Janie Roth, Mary Jo Horn, Sam Spino, Ann McNulty, Pat and Dale Hall and Rick and Jean Seacrest.
Joe Sommer said the event is a major fundraiser for the Ex-Newsboys. The organization’s mission is to make sure “that no schoolchild shall miss school for need of shoes or clothing,” said Jimmy DiMarzio.
“The need has never been greater,” said Dave Postry. “One hundred percent of funds raised are used to provide clothes and shoes for the kids.”
The group has provided more than $2.8 million for clothing over the past 51 years, helping 41,000 children.