Back-to-School Bash spaghetti dinner offers 'great meal, greater cause'
A plate of pasta will go a long way at the first annual Back-to-School Bash spaghetti fundraiser in Brackenridge.
Hosted by Highlands School Board member Elijah Majocha, the festival-themed event will serve up food, music, baked goods and more than 60 raffle baskets — all to benefit students and teachers in the Alle-Kiski Valley.
“The community always knows how to show up for a good gathering,” Majocha said. “I thought, ‘Why not a spaghetti dinner?’ It brings people together for a great meal and an even greater cause.”
Proceeds from the Sunday event will be used to buy notebooks, backpacks, pencils and other school supplies to distribute to children during the annual Paul Field Memorial Back-to-School Bash at the Salvation Army in Brackenridge. This year’s event is scheduled Aug. 23.
Majocha said that 5% of the spaghetti dinner proceeds will be used to buy classroom supplies for teachers in local districts.
The goal is to raise $10,000.
Hosted from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Salvation Army along Brackenridge Avenue, dinners will cost $10. There is a carry-out option.
Live music will be provided by DJ Skylor Hayden. There will be a baked goods sale and a 50/50 raffle.
“It’s a way to support families in our community and enjoy time with neighbors, and walk away with a full belly,” Majocha said.
Salvation Army Capt. Selah Bender said the fundraiser is a great way to support the annual back-to-school bash, now in its 16th year.
“It will mean more food, more fun,” she said. “It’s a great day for all who participate.”
The event has grown from 80 backpacks in its first year to more than 350 last year, Bender said. The day also features free haircuts, bouncy houses and other activities to shake off the first day of school jitters.
Last year, the Salvation Army parking lot was packed with more than 400 families enjoying Kona Ice, a dunk tank, popcorn and a tour of the Pioneer Hose fire engine.
To register for either event, call the Salvation Army at 724-224-6310.
Tawnya Panizzi is a TribLive reporter. She joined the Trib in 1997. She can be reached at tpanizzi@triblive.com.
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