Top Pizza Event Combines Food and Fun to Support District 205 Foundation

The second annual Top Pizza event, sponsored by the District 205 Foundation for Educational Excellence, drew a crowd of over 350 to York High School last month.

“We were thrilled with the turnout, considering that many area streets were still flooded at the time, and we appreciate the support for this event that we received from community members and businesses,” noted Laura Maniola, treasurer for the Foundation.

Ten local pizzerias provided an assortment of pies for tasting, including cheese, sausage and specialty pizzas. Four pizzerias new to the event—Papa John’s, Gulliver’s, Lou Malnati’s and DiLeo’s—joined returning participants Fratello’s,  Lucia’s, Mamma Maria’s, Nancy’s, Pazzi di Pizza and Roberto’s.

Attendees voted for their favorites, with Mamma Maria’s and Pazzi di Pizza tying for the Top Pizza award. Mamma Maria’s also came in first for Best Cheese Pizza, while DiLeo’s was voted Best Sauce. Specialty pizza flavors ranged from mushrooms to arugula to pineapple to Anna Maria, but Fratello’s buffalo chicken pizza once again took the Best Specialty Pizza honors. Lou Malnati’s walked away with Best Crust and Best Sausage Pizza.

“Every pie was a delectable treat and the competition was all in good fun. The real winners here are the students of Elmhurst Public Schools who benefit from the voluntary participation and outstanding generosity of each and every pizzeria,” said Lisa Fanelli, executive director of the foundation.

Top Pizza raised almost $4,000, including donations received that evening. Proceeds will go to the foundation’s targeted project to enhance STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, to various grants, and to support its study skills programs that are in place at all District 205 elementary and middle schools.

For more information or to donate to the District 205 Foundation, please visit www.elmhurst205.org/foundation.

Source: District 205 Foundation