LIMA — Load up on the best carbs in the area at the 26th annual Charitable Italian American Organization’s annual pasta dinner on Sunday.
Beginning at noon and running until 6 p.m., CIAO members will load plates to overflowing with pasta, meatballs, Italian sausage, salad and garlic bread, all for $8.50 for adults and $6 for children under 12.
“It’s a good dinner, made by some of the best Italian cooks in the area,” promises Andy Maravola, who is heading this year’s feast.
If you still have room for more, cannoli will be available for an additional cost.
And to go with that food, Ray Massa’s Euro-Rhythms will perform. “They’re a good, Italian band. We had them last year and got a lot of good comments, so we invited them back,” Maravola said.
Likewise the Italian dancers from Lima Central Catholic will perform. And also slated to help out this year will be students from Apollo Career Center who will help keep the drive-through moving.
“It’s a lot of work coordinating this dinner, but it’s worth it. We do this to keep our Italian heritage going, and we count that heritage as one that welcomes everyone to the meal,” Maravola said.
And, the money raised helps CIAO give back to the community in a variety of ways, including $1,000 scholarships to area high school seniors.
“We want everybody to come out and have a good dinner. Just enjoy being Italian, even if it’s just for the day,” Maravola said.
