Pizza Palooza delivers again

MILAN TWP. — On Wednesday, Edison High School's Interact Club, a service organization, partnered with the Milan Rotary Club to host the annual Pizza Palooza fundraiser. Proceeds benefited Interact Club, and funds will be used to support local, state, national and global service projects. The Milan Rotary Club, a member of Rotary International, is made up of volunteer leaders who support their community through numerous activities and the sponsorship of Interact. The groups often team up on projects to pursue their shared mission of service above self. Nick Georgiafandis, a member of the Milan Rotary Club and the organizer of Pizza Palooza, shared how he felt about the event. "I'd say it's a lot of gratification, giving our Interact students a really good purpose to come out and work," he said. "Secondly, by having this event, it gives a chance for all these people in the community to see what the Interact Club does and what we've accomplished." More than 50 students volunteered alongside Rotary Club members to collect tickets; serve pizza and drinks; and clean tables at an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet in Edison High School's cafeteria. Pizza was provided by five local businesses: Pizza Post in Norwalk, Domino's in Huron, Gilhuly's Pub & Grille in Berlin Heights, Wonder Bar & Grille in Milan and Jim's Pizza Box in Milan. Rose Gall, a member of Interact, decided to volunteer due to the large community involvement. "Volunteering with my friends was really fun and just seeing everyone in my community come together for something", Gall said. Students socialized with Rotary Club members and guests, creating a busy, fun-filled environment. Christine Mollison, a guest at Pizza Palooza, came out to support the fundraiser as her granddaughter, Rose, is a part of Interact Club. She commented on the atmosphere of the event. "The atmosphere is wonderful," Mollison said. "There are a lot of people visiting that never see each other from year to year. It's a crowded room, so it's a good turnout, which is something that everyone looks forward to."