OT: If anyone lives near Southport, CT...

[cto]

I am running a benefit this Saturday for Sammy Palik, a wonderful, loving human being, whose "Sammy's Southport Pizza and Grill" was destroyed in a tragic fire on April 14. Sammy is a Turkish immigrant with three small children and a pregnant wife. His little restaurant was a bustling, family-friendly place, patronized and beloved by everyone -- that served the best pizza anywhere. The benefit will take place between 9 and 11 a.m. in the Chase Bank parking lot in Southport Center. It features an incredible silent auction with donations from many world-class area merchants and restaurants (Seriously great gifts for Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduation and birthdays; pay for them what you would normally pay.. and help Sammy at the same time), continuous live music, activities for kids and an awesome bake sale. There's also be free pizza provided by another local pizza place. Admission is free. The benefit is to raise money to support Sammy and his family ... as he works to rebuild his restaurant.

 

[cto]

Thank you, CherieHoop, sutomcat and Fishy ... for sending me contributions to help Sammy. I did not post the above to seek contributions; I posted it simply to bring the benefit to the attention of those who might live in the area. But thank you so much...Tom, Cher and Fish... for your kindness in helping Sammy.

 

[jimsonjunction]

Pretty cool of another local pizza place to supply free pizza (if true). If I still lived in CT, I'd make the trip.

For some reason, CT has always had an abundance of great pizza places (memories of clam pie at Pepe's will never fade). Good luck with your benefit!

 

[cto]

Pretty cool of another local pizza place to supply free pizza (if true). If I still lived in CT, I'd make the trip.

For some reason, CT has always had an abundance of great pizza places (memories of clam pie at Pepe's will never fade). Good luck with your benefit!

And the best part of the donated pizza story... Sammy is going to be the one who serves it...FREE ...to all the folks who show up to support him. Sammy came up with the pizza idea... and made the arrangements with the other pizza place. Planning this event has been quite an experience, especially working with Sammy, because we are both strong-headed people, but from very different cultures. Sammy is not accustomed to strong women who tell him what to do... and half the time I can't understand what he's saying because of his accent!. But we hug a lot, so all is well.

And, another crazy component to the day: As some folks here know, I am supposed to be at the Turning Stone at 5 p.m Saturday.,,,, at a black tie reception I am hosting at the start of the Boeheim's annual "Basket Ball." I've already explained to Juli why I may be late... and she says she has my back. But what a funny twist that would be... Juli filling in for the person ... who is supposed to be helping her!