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'Pizza Wars 6' to raise funds for 50 homeless students, others in need in Dist. 219 area

(Skokie, Ill.) - It doesn't seem possible in this day and age, but over 50 students in the school District 219 area are currently homeless.

The District 219 Education Foundation (www.219foundation.org) wants to help these students and the many others in need with the sixth annual food-focused fundraiser, "Pizza Wars 6," scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 20, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Niles North High School main gym, 9800 Lawler Avenue in Skokie.

"Pizza Wars" has become the District 219 Education Foundation's signature annual fundraiser, assisting children in need in the Niles Township area servicing the villages of Skokie, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood, Niles, and Golf.

More than 1,000 people attended the fifth annual Pizza Wars in 2015 and sampled pizza from ten of the township's pizzerias, all while raising more than $17,500 for the 219 District Education Foundation.

This year, "Pizza Wars 6" hopes to break the $20,000 mark. Each year around 10 area pizza restaurants participate in Pizza Wars, bringing their signature pizza to the competition.

The 2015 Pizza War winner was Father & Son Italian Kitchen, www.fatherandson.com. Will they reign "Supreme" again?

This year's contenders will include: Bar Louie, Father & Son Italian Kitchen, Gulliver's, Jet's Pizza, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, OrganicLife, Riggio's, Village Inn Pizzeria, and Wa-Pa-Getti's, plus Costco and Nothing Bundt Cakes will provide water and dessert.

"Pizza Wars 6" will commence with a cheesy standoff between the four area mayors in a fierce pizza eating battle to see who can consume the most pizza in five minutes. Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen, Morton Grove Mayor Daniel DiMaria, Lincolnwood Mayor Jerry Turry, and Niles Mayor Andrew Przybylo will once again participate.

After the mayoral showdown, attendees will enjoy pizza tastings from the participating pizzerias and cast their single vote for best pizza. The trophy for the winning pizza will be awarded at 7:30 p.m.

Advance tickets for "Pizza Wars 6" are now on sale for only $12 per person, but will be $15 per person at the door.

The evening will also feature live entertainment from the Niles North High School and Niles West High School student bands. Tickets may be purchased on the 219 District Education Foundation website at www.219foundation.org.

Attendees are encouraged to bring in nonperishable food items and those doing so will receive a free raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets will be sold, $3 for one or $5 for two, for chances to win gift cards and other prizes. Sponsorship opportunities are currently available for a donation at levels of $350 and $500.

Although "Pizza Wars" is a family-friendly, fun event, the purpose behind "Pizza Wars" should not be taken lightly.

The 219 District Education Foundation raises funds for students who are in critical need. When the foundation was formed in 2007, the goal was to provide the basic tools of education; however the situation has become more severe in recent years. There is an increasing need for the foundation to provide money for food as well as financial assistance to students' families that have fallen on difficult times. More than 37 percent of the students within Niles Township are in need of everyday supplies and unfortunately, the need continues to grow. The foundation has awarded over $160,000 in grants and scholarships. It does indeed take a village to raise a child.

About Pizza Wars:

Pizza Wars began in the winter of 2011 as a small fundraiser and a way for children in the School District 219 area to get together in a fun, safe environment. Five years later, Pizza Wars has grown to become the signature fundraiser for the District 219 Education Foundation and allowed area businesses to give back. With the help of the area mayors, the community crowns a local pizzeria "Supreme". To date, Pizza Wars has raised over $60,000 for the District 219 Education Foundation.

About District 219 Education Foundation:

The Niles Township High School District 219 Education Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The foundation's purpose is to enrich education for Niles Township High School students by providing additional resources, outside the scope of the regular district budget. It is incorporated separately from Niles Township High School District 219. The foundation supports various alumni programs and events, including fundraising efforts, through its Alumni Coming Back program. The foundation is located at 7700 Gross Point Road, Skokie. For more information, call (847) 626-3959 or visit www.219foundation.org.

Pizza Wars 6

When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20; winner announced at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Niles North High School main gym, 9800 Lawler Ave. in Skokie

Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door

Details: <a href="http://www.219foundation.org">www.219foundation.org</a>

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