March 1, 2023 by Carol Britton Meyer
Photos by Glen Ni
The popular Pizza Palooza fundraiser — which benefits the South Shore Special Needs Athletic Partnership — is returning this year for the first time since 2019, even bigger and better than before.
The name of the popular event is now Pizza Palooza Plus, because not only will there be an abundance of different kinds of pizza, but also local restaurants and businesses that provide beverages and ice cream are also enthusiastic about participating.
“We were all set to go in 2020, but then the world as we know changed it due to the pandemic,” SNAP Treasurer Tom Hoffman told the Hingham Anchor.
The event — hosted by SNAP and sponsors that include the Hingham Business Council, South Shore Bank, and The Beth — is happening Wednesday, March 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Hingham High School Cafeteria, 17 Union St.
A large crowd of as many as 800 to 900 individuals is expected, based on past participation. Tickets are $15 each, or $35 for a family. “The turnout is always phenomenal,” Hoffman said.
Participants include The Venetian, The Beth Kitchen & Bar, Greenside Grille, Wahlburgers, Hornstra Farms — providing ice cream and chocolate milk — and Weir River Water System, water, among others.
Pizza providers so far include Boathouse Bistro & Pizzeria, Cafe Tosca, Old Country Pizzeria, South Shore Sports Center, and Big Y.
“The event is a fun time for families with young children and Middle and High School students,” Hoffman said.
Proceeds from all ticket and raffle ticket sales will be donated to SNAP. There may also be live music.
“This is a great way to give back to the community,” Hoffman said. “It will be like old times — lots of fun.”
SNAP kids will lend a helping hand at the event, and a large crew of board members and their friends will help pizza providers and restaurant staff serve the food.
Raffle tickets will be $10 each, 3 for $25, 8 for $50, and 20 for $100. Anyone buying $25-worth or more will get a flashing ring. “A smart parent with two kids will want to buy $50-worth of raffle tickets to promote world peace and harmony!” Hoffman quipped.
Part of the proceeds will go toward the SNAP summer program at South Shore Country Club; participation in Sunset Point Camp in Hull to help keep registration fees low; and also to the “iCan Shine” bike program that teaches SNAP and other kids with special needs how to ride a two-wheel bike and bike safety; and various sports programs throughout the year.
When asked why he is so enthusiastic about helping to organize Pizza Palooza and many other community events and activities, Hoffman said that he enjoys making a positive impact. “We have a great community, and it’s good to give back when we can.”
It’s a win-win event, he said, with both SNAP and local businesses benefitting. “It’s a great way to raise money for SNAP and also to promote local restaurants, who have a captive audience at the event and can have brochures/coupons available to hand out.”
Other pizza providers and restaurants who would like to participate are asked to email Hoffman at thoffman@kafadvisors.com.
SNAP will host another event in May in celebration of SNAP’s 10th anniversary.