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Two Long Island pizza businesses are putting their own spin on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, using everything from pizza pies to cocktails to raise money for Making Strides of Long Island.
Americano Pizza Shop in Syosset is donating $5 from every pie sold on Tuesdays throughout October, while The Pizzeria is contributing $2 from every specialty Raspberry Ribbon cocktail sold this month at four of its Long Island locations.
At Americano, 43 Berry Hill Road, the “Pies for Pink” fundraiser is a way for owner Vinny Corrao to give back to a community that has supported his business.
“This is important to me because I believe being part of a community means more than just running a business,” Corrao told Greater Long Island. “Americano has been fortunate to receive so much support from this community, and I want to use our platform to give back, raise awareness and bring people together for causes that matter.”
The effort also comes from a place of personal experience for Corrao. His father died suddenly at 53, giving him an early understanding of how quickly tragedy can change a family.
“I know what it’s like when families struggle from tragedies and bumps in the road,” Corrao said. “I’ve grown up always wanting to do my fair share, so now that I have the platform to do that, that’s my goal.”
The Pizzeria is taking a different approach, creating the Raspberry Ribbon specifically for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Made with raspberry tea-infused vodka, limoncello, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, the cocktail will be sold throughout October at The Pizzeria’s Babylon, Smithtown, Yaphank and Bay Shore locations. The restaurant will donate $2 from each one sold to Making Strides of Long Island.
For co-founder Cliff Weinstein, the decision to get involved was personal, too.
“Cancer has touched so many families in our community, including our own,” Weinstein said. “If a specialty cocktail can raise even an ounce of awareness while supporting a cause that means so much to so many, then it was worth creating.”
The American Cancer Society said the two fundraisers are part of a broader show of support from businesses across Long Island.
“It is incredibly inspiring to see so many businesses across Long Island rally behind the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer mission,” said Teresa Striker, associate director of Premier Events for the American Cancer Society. “Their commitment demonstrates the strength and compassion of our community.”
Top: The display case at Americano Pizza Shop in Syosset. (Credit: GLI/Andrew Rappaport, file) Inset: Top: The Pizzeria co-owners Cliff Weinstein and Paul Saccoccio in their Islip location. Bottom: Americano Syosset owner Vinny Corrao
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