Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilwoman Laura Maier, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, and Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato today joined the founders of Long Island Pizza Strong and local police officers to announce a new initiative to benefit fallen officers. All day on Wednesday, April 17th, more than 250 participating pizzerias across Long Island donated $5 from every pizza pie sold to the family of Jonathan Diller, Beyond the Badge NY, Project Thank a Cop, and the Silver Shield Foundation.
Supervisor Saladino said, “Over 250 pizzerias across Long Island will show that they ‘back the blue’ by donating $5 from each pizza pie sold to organizations supporting our police. We’re asking residents to come out, buy a pie, and show that the only thing Long Islanders love more than our pizza is our police force!”
LI Pizza Strong was created in the wake of the Farmingdale High School Bus Tragedy, raising $102,200 to support the families of those affected by the accident. 140 participating pizzerias joined forces to donate $5 from every pie sold – 15,437 pies to be exact. With the recent murder of three police officers in New York State, these pizzerias will once again unite to make a difference and this time double their efforts.
“I want to thank the founders of Long Island Pizza Strong, especially Anthony Laurino, the owner of Phil’s Pizzeria in Syosset whose family was personally impacted by the Farmingdale High School Bus Tragedy. Anthony teamed up with Alyssa Guidice of Dine-LI and Jim Serpico of Side Hustle Bread to create this wonderful organization and raise more than $100,000 to benefit those impacted by that tragedy. So, please, let’s surpass that by going out tomorrow and ordering a pizza pie at participating pizzerias – all of which can be found on Facebook at LI Pizza Strong and by visiting LIPizzaStrong.com,” Supervisor Saladino concluded.
Among the Town of Oyster Bay participants were Bel Posto in Wantagh, Bella Vista Pizza & Pasta in Plainview, Broadway Gourmet Caterers in Massapequa, Cafe Dolce Vita in Jericho, Calda Pizzeria & Restaurant in Massapequa, Ciminelli’s Pizza and Restaurant in Bethpage, and Fanatico in Jericho.
—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay
