Tortorice’s Pizzeria with District 99 Education Foundation Pizza Wars Chair Martha Merilos.
On Feb. 27, the District 99 Education Foundation hosted its Pizza Wars fundraiser at South High in Downers Grove. The seventh annual event brought in more than 700 guests and raised nearly $20,000. Ticket sales and sponsorship proceeds will support District 99 students through innovative teacher grants and student scholarships.
“Pizza Wars would not be as successful without our charitable pizza vendors, generous community sponsors, and engaged community residents,” District 99 Education Foundation President Julia Beckman said. “We are grateful for everyone’s dedication in supporting District 99 students and teachers.”
Guests voted on their favorite pizza in three categories and the winners were: Best Crust - Lou Malnati’s Pizza (Downers Grove); Best Sauce - Tortorice’s Pizzeria (Downers Grove); and Best Overall - Tortorice’s Pizzeria (Downers Grove). View more photos of the event here.
Each of the eight pizza vendors donated 30 pizzas and provided several employees for the event. The pizza vendors included: Lou Malnati’s Pizza (Downers Grove), Papa’s Pizza Place (Woodridge), Pizzeria32 (Downers Grove), Rosati’s (Woodridge), Sarpino’s (Downers Grove), Skuddlebutts Pizza (Downers Grove), Tortorice’s Pizzeria (Downers Grove), and Zazzo’s Pizza (Westmont). Also, more than 35 sponsors have contributed monetary and in-kind donations to benefit this year’s event. Click here to view the 2020 Pizza Wars sponsors.
To learn more about the District 99 Education Foundation and how to get involved or donate to support District 99 students, visit www.d99ef.org.