1st Annual Pizza Fundraiser Challenge

This is the second season of the Milford Performance Center (MPC). It was just midway through 2016 that the concept of Milford Performance Center was just conversation. A lot has been accomplished since the initial vision of local photographer, musician and entrepreneur Steve Cooper. To date there have been over 20 band, soloist headliners, comedians, acting troups hosted by the Center in just over a year. According to Steve there is “much more excitement on the horizon. As we define our creative space on Connecticut’s entertainment scene the Milford Performance Center is rapidly becoming a chosen destination for entertainers, agents and producers nationally”.

Mr. Cooper has a goal of bringing in more events and bigger names from the world of music, theater and comedy. In order to realize these goals there will be several unique fundraisers since the 501C3 project is self funded as well as run by volunteers. The first of these fundraisers was the Milford Performance Center’s Pizza Fundraiser Challenge on May 31st. The Challenge took place at the Showroom of Colonial Toyota. The Crabtree Family opened their doors for the fundraiser and arranged for WEBE to support it also. The event featured eight different restaurants from Milford and Orange, Celebrity Judges, Music by Joe LaDore, Beer by New England Brewery, imported Sangria from Beso Del Sol and soda by Foxon Park. The Civic Organization Knights of Pythios membership helped setup, serve and cleanup after the event.

If you r go on the Facebook Page “You know you live in Milford if” it seems like weekly someone is touting their favorite pizza place. Well here are the results of the 3 judges as well as the attendies. To start with the esteemed judges were Jocelyn Maminta from WTNH, Danny Lyons from WEBE and Joey C, Restauranteur.

The judges were presented by a plain pizza and 2 pizzas that represent specialties of the restaurant. Each pie was awarded points based on a 1-5 system, bad to acceptable.

Papa’s Pizza & Pasta was awarded the trophy for Best in show for the highest cumulative score of three entries. Michael Anthony’s Tuscan Grill was the winner of the “Peoples Choice” trophy voted by the attendies.

Certificates were presented for specific styles & cities to Michael Anthony’s Tuscan Grill – Best Mashed potato & best specialty pizza, Mama Theresa’s- best seafood pizza, Jimmies Apizza- Best Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Silver Sands Pizza- Hot Oil Pizza, Papa’s Pizza & Pasta- Best Individual Pizza, Bella Napoli Pizza- Best veggie Best Meat Pizza, Paradise Pizza- Best Party Pizza and 700 Degrees – Best Pizza In Orange

Beyond the artistic vision of the Milford Performance Center there is the key component of their vision… helping those that help others who are less fortunate. Throughout the season they partner with area 501(c) organizations on creative ways to help raise funds for their causes, collect food for their missions and provide an environment which furthers the cultural experiences of the people they serve.

Your ideas and comments are welcome. If you participate in any non-profit fundraisers them know if they can help.

The next show is this Saturday June 9th. Lez Zeppelin is an incredible band, internationally popular, and loved by Led Zeppelin founders Robert Plant and Jimmy Page. This full stage show and impeccable sound duplicates the originals. Go see for yourselves and experience Lez Zeppelin. The show starts at 8pm and tickets are available on the website (pick your own seats) and at the door. There is also a pre show backstage meet & Greet. For more info go to www.MilfordPerformanceCenter.org or call 203.723.3672. The Center is located in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium at the Parsons Govt. Center on 53 West Main Street.