On April 2, the Elizabeth Peabody House was transformed into a pizza party.

Peabody house organized pizza contest, fundraiser

By Carrie Stanziola

Normally, the Elizabeth Peabody House serves as a daycare and emergency food service pantry to Somerville’s neediest families. On April 2, it was transformed into a pizza party, where, for $10 at the door, citizens of Somerville could sample the wares of local pizza parlors, all for a good cause.

The Elizabeth Peabody House provided statistics to curious visitors: in 2010 alone, they distributed over 85,000 lbs of food. Last year 530 Somerville families were served, and, on average, over 100 bags of food are distributed per week.  Perhaps most importantly, there was a sign-up sheet where interested party-goers could register to receive updates and even volunteer.

Said Cassey Molloy of Pini’s on her business’s reason for being there, “Well I think it’s a really great opportunity for the community to try pizza.  And advertising obviously is a plus.  But we’re always interested in doing anything that’s charitable, fundraising, so those were our main motivations for being here.”

Prima’s Steve Resetta said he was asked by the Elizabeth Peabody house to participate, and he wishes the best for the organization.

Valerie Cobiello had similar motives for her attendance, citing a desire to support the food bank, as well as being a fan of pizza. Tony’s was her favorite vendor, though she added that it was all good.

The event was coordinated by Paul Kuhne who described the event as a chance for people to indulge in pizza as well as for the Peabody House to raise awareness about hunger.  Around the room, statistics were printed regarding the food pantry and its mission.

Kuhne originally thought of doing a chili-cook off, before realizing that there were three pizzerias within eyesight of the organization’s Broadway location. Of the event itself, he stated, “It’s exciting.  I think we’re doing really well with it.”

Dan Connelly, an employee and jack-of-all-trades at the Peabody House said he’s noticed an upswing in people using the pantry, saying that in the year the House has been open, the need for food has risen “a lot.” Moreover, the economy has not stabilized for the Somerville residents using the pantry, Connelly states, despite the national trend indicating a surge in job growth and prosperity.