Tri-Valley Families In Need Benefit From Pizza Dinner Fundraiser

PLEASANTON, CA — Gigi Rolling Wood-Fired Kitchen is offering a Friday "Pay-It-Forward Pizza Pickup," with 10 percent of proceeds benefiting local nonprofit City Serve Tri-Valley.

Gigi, a local pizza catering company, previously teamed up with Shepherd's Gate and Tri-Valley Haven, and donated nearly 50 meals to needy Tri-Valley during its May 1 "Pizza Pickup" event.

Gigi co-owner Elizabeth Howard said in an email that the "Pizza Pickup" idea was born when the catering company's events were canceled and it was forced to reevaluate how it could continue serving the community. They decided to organize weekly, contactless pizza pickups.

Gigi has since hosted more than 10 pickups in Pleasanton and Livermore, and has collaborated with local favorites such as Shadow Puppet Brewing Co. and Sweetart Creative Baking. Howard said she's grateful to be able to offer local businesses another means to sell their goods.

"It has been gratifying to see our pickups gain momentum over the last two months, and to build connections with our regular customers, particularly at a time when a sense of togetherness seems so vital," she wrote.

Diners this week can purchase a Gigi Caesar salad or pizza a la carte, or a family pack with two pizzas and a salad. There are five pizza options, with toppings ranging from a classic tomato and cheese to smoked chicken and gouda, and pork meatballs and Sriracha.

Salt Craft is serving up a lemon tiramisu and Cellar Door will offer four wines by the bottle and margaritas in Mason jars.

Meals will be picked up from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Inklings Coffee & Tea (530 Main St.), which will also have a drop-off point for donations of money, canned food and necessities.

Orders can be made here.