Westwood UNICO Holds Successful Dinner to Fight Autism

Westwood UNICO Holds Annual “Fight Autism” Taste of Italy Dinner---

On Saturday evening April 6, 2013, the sounds of Italian music and scents of Italian food wafted from the Westwood Community Center, as the Westwood chapter of UNICO National held its 4^th annual “Fight Autism” Taste of Italy dinner. The Chapter, as is true of all UNICO chapters, seeks to put “service above self.”  It is donating a substantial portion of the proceeds to help support the education of children with autism in the local communities, as well as to other charitable causes chosen by Westwood UNICO. The event was planned to coincide with April’s designation as Autism Awareness Month.

 Over 220 local & county residents attended and enjoyed delicious entrees and desserts generously donated by many local restaurants and bakeries. They included Banchetto Feast, Bella Campania, Big Daddy’s Grill, Casa del Sole, Cortina’s, Domani, Granita Grill, It’s Greek to Me, Lepore’s Italian Market, Marc’s Deli & Pizza, Pompilio’s Pizzeria, Rockland Bakery, Florentine Gardens, Le Petite Gateau, and Sogno. In addition, approximately 40 other local businesses generously supported the effort by donating merchandise or gift cards for a tricky tray auction and a silent auction. These fund-raising efforts, along with a 50/50 raffle and door admissions helped Westwood UNICO make this dinner the most successful held to date. 

Special thanks go to members of Girl Scout Troop # 416 of Rivervale NJ and to students of  Pascack Valley High School who provided entertainment for the children in attendance and who smoothly handled the task of serving the food to everyone present.