A couple of Hoboken organizations came together to help raise money for a children's mentoring program.
HOBOKEN – Local pizza lovers’ “heaven” came back around for another year.
Hoboken Happy Hours and True Mentors teamed up for the second annual Hoboken Pizza Fest. A portion of event proceeds will benefit True Mentors, the town’s only one-on-one mentoring program for children ages 7 to 17.
“It’s to get local people involved,” said Tara Casazza, a True Mentors board member. “It’s been a great turnout.”
Last year’s feast drew in hundreds of foodies, forcing the event to relocate to a bigger spot at Our Lady of Grace Church, located at 400 Willow Ave.
And that seems to be the case again.
During the fest’s first session – which ran until 2 p.m. — dozens waited on multiple lines to grab a slice from the handful of vendors present at the event.
The participating pizzerias include:
- Napoli’s
- Tony Boloney’s
- The Brick
- Dozzino
- Hot House Pizza
- O’Bagel – Session 2 ONLY
- Frankie & Ava’s – Session 1 ONLY
- Pizza Vita – Session 1 ONLY
The attendees – who purchased a $25 ticket beforehand – were treated with Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, live music and pizza-themed games. For the older foodies, an open bar was also available.
Mike Buscio, who performed for the first two-hour session, did various renditions of hit-songs — such as “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran and “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys – as the venue flooded with loud conversations and the smell of hot pizza. Tables were also decorated with pizza-themed items to match.
The event will also see who loves pizza the most as they host a pizza eating contest, sponsored by Giovanni’s, during the second session, which will run from 3 to 5 p.m.
