SEPAC Hosts First Annual Pizzamania on Friday

Music, pizza and prizes. Not a bad way to celebrate the beginning of the school year.

Wilmington’s Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC) holds the first edition of Pizzamania, which members hope will become an annual tradition in town.

The event takes place on Friday from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall and is a fundraising effort for SEPAC.

Residents will have the chance to taste pizza from 12 Wilmington pizzerias and vote on their favorite.

In addition, there will be raffles that included a basketball autographed by Boston Celtics captain Paul Pierce, a Celtics’ ticket package valued at more than $250 and other items sponsored by local businesses.

The cover band Classic Groove will provide music for the evening. Tickets cost $8 for adults and teens while students under 12 can purchase tickets for just $5.

“It was really important to us that we included the whole community,” said event organizer Christine DeAmbrose. “It’s been overwhelming to see the generosity and wonderful community spirit. Leading this fundraiser has really floored me and opened my eyes.”

The three most popular pizzerias will receive a plaque for their efforts, but DeAmbrose said that isn’t the most important aspect of the evening.

“It’s really about bringing the community together,” she said.

The money raised will be put towards events and resources for parents of children with special needs.

According to the Wilmington Public Schools website, “The Wilmington SEPAC’s mission is to promote and support an innovative educational environment where children with special education needs have equal access to opportunities and are encouraged to reach their full potential.”

Ambrose said one of the top priorities of the group is to let parents know they are not along with what they’re going through.

“For families for special needs it can be a very isolating experience,” said DeAmbrose. “You might feel that no one feels how you do. When you meet others, you realize you’re not alone. With this money we’d like to be able to support families in many other ways.”