A pizza partnership makes dreams come true for Make-A-Wish children
What's better than pizza?
How about specialty pies that have a double purpose: In addition to tasting great, all the pies were created by children dealing with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish and the Fortina organization are behind the effort, with a net portion of the proceeds of pizzas sold at Fortina restaurants benefitting Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley and the Make-A-Wish Connecticut chapters.
At all Fortina locations, in New York and Connecticut, specifically Yonkers, Rye Brook, Armonk and Stamford, diners can enjoy signature pies created by the kids, from now until the end of August 2023. There will be one pie featured every month.
For September, it's 9-year-old Camryn's "Tropivore" with marinara, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, and pineapple. For privacy purposes, the last names of the children are being omitted. Camryn, who lives in Dutchess County, is a sickle cell warrior whose wish — to have a volleyball court — was granted in 2021.
In December, Westchester County resident Marcos' signature “Gray” pie will be on the menu, topped with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, and chicken cutlet. The 4-year-old battled with cancer and through Make-A-Wish had his room redecorated in a "Stars Wars" theme in 2022.
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Each of their stories will be printed on cards provided with the lunch and dinner menus.
The effort between the two Make-A-Wish chapters and Fortina executives came together in August when the Fortina team, led by Director of Operations Samantha Melisi and Culinary Director Paul Failla, provided an afternoon of fun for five Make-A-Wish children with a visit to the Stamford location. Along with appetizers and dessert, the highlight was creating their own signature pizzas.
Other months are devoted to Connecticut children: Hailey's October pie, called Olley Oxen, features marinara, shredded mozzarella, smashed shredded potatoes, bacon and fresh basil while in November, Fortina diners can enjoy Izabel's Meatz on Meatz, marinara with shredded mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, meatballs, sausage, pepperoni, and parmesean.
In January, Edwards' "Stuff on Pizza," will include marinara, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, bacon and basil. Proceeds from each specialty pie will be donated each month to Make-A-Wish.
More children (and their pizzas) will be added in the coming months.
The Tarrytown-based Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley spans eight counties including Delaware, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. Its mission is to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Since its inception in 1986, it has granted wishes to over 3,000 children.
The foundation is currently working on over 250 pending wishes with the average cost of a wish ranging between $7,500 to $10,000. Go to wish.org/hudson for more information.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @lohud_food or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Buy a Fortina pizza and help make a wish come true for ill children
