By Emily Drooby
Pizzas — cooked, cut and loaded into the car, are not just any old food delivery.
They’re a delivery of good will: food for New York healthcare workers who are fighting hard against COVID-19.
The idea for the fundraiser, “Feed Our Frontline,” came from co-creator Toni Sanseverino’s group of friends. One of his friend’s relatives works at a Manhattan hospital.
“She was talking to him about sending some food and he said, ‘You know, we are lucky if we even get the chance to run down to the vending machine and get a protein bar.’ That really broke her heart,” said Toni.
It started as a call to action to their friends on social media, but in less than a week the fundraiser has blown up, bringing in over $18,000 on GoFundMe.
“We never, ever expected this, but it just goes to show you how much everyone in a trying time like this wants to lend a hand,” Toni explained. “Sometimes they don’t know where to start, but they’re willing to do it.”
The money is providing free lunches for health care workers all across New York City, Westchester County and Long Island.
They’ve even partnered with local businesses who are offering discounted prices meaning the money goes even farther.
Radio City Pizza in midtown Manhattan is one of them.
“It’s all about those people who are in the hospitals, that are working, working overtime, the doctors, the nurses, the staff, everyone,” explained Gus Karayiannis, the pizzeria’s owner. “So if I can just do a little part of help, I’m happy.”
It’s a win-win: the fundraiser is helping those on the frontlines, but it’s also helping small businesses during a difficult time.
“Like I said before, I’m just very happy,” said Gus. “I have my employees working, we’re still open, and if you look on my block here, everything is shut down.”
Toni said they already have 17 orders booked for the week of March 23. They’re also urging anyone who’s able to, to donate, saying they would love to keep this going for as long as possible.
You can help get food to our medical heroes by donating to the drive. Go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/feedourfrontline and sign up to help out.