Easterseals Rehabilitation Center today recognized local businesses that raised the most dough in its inaugural National Pizza Party Day Fundraiser.
The May 17 event raised just over $3,000 for Easterseals, a nonprofit charity that has provided rehabilitative therapies and medical care to children with disabilities in the Ohio Valley since 1937.
Seven local pizzerias donated 53 pies and eight trays of pizza to reward local businesses for their fundraising efforts. Any business that raised more than $100 received free pizza on May 17.
Kalkreuth Roofing & Sheet Metal employees and Dr. Daniel Joseph’s dental practice were the top fundraisers. Additionally, owners Rob and Erika Donaghy of Original PJ’s Pizza in New Martinsville and Original PJ’s Varsity Pizza in Moundsville made a cash donation based on May 17 sales.
“Every pizza restaurant we asked said yes to providing pizza. We are so grateful for this phenomenal show of support,” Easterseals marketing director Betsy Bethel-McFarland said. “We had six businesses collect donations in exchange for pizza, plus our board of directors donated and received free pizza at the May 17 board meeting.”
PJ’s co-owner Erika Donaghy said supporting Easterseals is a priority because Easterseals medical director Dr. Ellen Kitts helped her when no one else could.
“Easterseals and Dr. Kitts has had a huge impact on my life. I don’t think I would be able to walk if I never had the opportunity to be treated there,” Donaghy said.
Kalkreuth and Dr. Joseph have been huge supporters of Easterseals over the years. Kalkreuth’s annual amateur golf championship has benefited Easterseals since 2015. Dr. Joseph and his wife Debbie, a longtime Easterseals board member, have used their annual Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta event to raise money for Easterseals for over 16 years.
Bethel-McFarland said the money raised helps provide life-changing medical care to children with a wide range of disabilities. Easterseals accepts all commercial insurance and Medicaid. As part of its charitable mission, the clinic never turns anyone away for inability to pay.
She said Easterseals hopes to expand National Pizza Party Day to more Ohio Valley cities next year and get schools involved.
In addition to PJ’s, the following pizzerias participated: Greco’s, Wheeling; Little Caesar’s, National Road, Wheeling; DiCarlo’s, downtown Wheeling; Vocelli’s Pizza, Wheeling; Pizza Express, Bridgeport; DeFelice Bros. Pizza, National Road, Wheeling; and Ohio Valley Domino’s.
In addition to Kalkreuth, Dr. Joseph and the Easterseals board, the following businesses collected donations for Easterseals: WTRF TV-7, Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, Richardson’s Copy Concepts, RSQP Print & Design and the Ohio County Schools administrative offices.
