Org to raise funds for trade school scholarships
By Jessica Meditz
jmeditz@queensledger.com
Founded in 1997 by Tony Modica, owner of Prima Pasta & Cafe in Howard Beach, the Pizza Dance Foundation prides itself on giving back to the community in various ways.
This Sunday, the foundation will host a family day at the Shops at Atlas Park from 2-6 p.m.
The event will take place in the beer garden area of Manor Oktoberfest, where there will be food, music, giveaways, henna tattoos, and face painting.
Guests will also be provided with entertainment for the afternoon, including the East Coast Classic Car Show, magic by Stephen Roberts, and music by Emilio and Kathy Leon featuring Modica and other musical guests.
Tony Modica, founder of Pizza Dance Foundation and owner of Prima Pasta in Howard Beach.
Local elected officials NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and Councilman Robert Holden are expected to attend the event to show their support.
Leon, administrator of the Pizza Dance Foundation, said the group aims to do at least three fundraisers per year for different community causes.
The family day at Atlas Park seeks to raise $2,500 for trade school scholarships and the Back to School Supplies Distribution in August, which they participate in annually.
“The basis of the foundation is to go from community to community and spread love, peace, and unity to everyone,” Leon said.
Being a professional singer herself, Leon said that a large part of their mission is to provide fun and entertainment to people in the community to bring joy to their lives.
“We just try to bring everyone together,” she continued. “I’ve gone everywhere, from community centers to nursing homes to perform, and it just makes people so much happier.”
Leon said that anyone who believes in the Pizza Dance Foundation’s mission and would like to get involved can contact her via email at kathleenleon12@gmail.com, or by phone 1 (833) 422-8522.
