Andy’s Pasta Dinner – Benefiting LifeNet4Families

 The 14th Andy Family Pasta Dinner Raised $178,087

 Help is on the way for hundreds of people in need in our community. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of all who supported the 14th Annual Andy Family Pasta Dinner, just over $178, 087 was raised to provide much-needed food and services to benefit those served daily at LifeNet4Families.  The event creator Andy Cagnetta, CEO of Transworld was joined by approximately 800 of his family, friends and peers for an informal, old-fashioned family pasta dinner.  Every year the event features and an impressive line-up of Honorary Chefs and this year’s event was no exception.  The distinguished list of  Honorary Chefs  included  Colin Brown, JM Family Enterprises, Inc;  Bill Luce,  Transworld Business Advisors; Alana Burrell, Independence Title; Ken Wiesenfeld, X-it Strategy Consulting, LLC;  Fern Cedola,  Wolfer & Company; Jacqueline Howe, Shutts & Bowen and Bill Feinberg  of Allied Kitchen and Bath.

Held at the beautiful Signature Grand, the opening ceremony—a spectacular “Parade of Chefs”   included the 2016 Honorary Chefs, the Alumni of Honorary Chefs, and Junior Chefs; all of whom played a vital role in helping to raise funds for LifeNet.   This year’s list of sponsors was comprised of a variety of corporate partners, foundations and individuals; many of whom have been long-time supporters of the event.   The silent and live auctions were both a big hit. Attendees also had opportunities to get involved with LifeNet’s mission—in the Kid’s room over a hundred sandwiches were made, while others purchased pallets of food and food boxes to help feed those who are hungry and homeless in our community. “Every year, I am humbled by the support this event receives.   I believe we are making a difference and I am grateful to everyone who supports this event and those we feed.” said Cagnetta.

In an impassioned speech delivered by Melanie Geddes, President and CEO of LifeNet4Families, the story of the great need in our community was told as she expressed a heartfelt gratitude to all who supports the event every year. “Our mission to be a seamless system of care is simply not possible without the support of people like Andy Cagnetta and those who donate their time, talent and treasures to this event each year,” said Melanie.  Andy, a former Board Member of LifeNet has dedicated his life to helping those who are less fortune andhe encourages everyone he knows to support the vision to end hunger.  “The Andy Family Pasta Dinner’s success this year is a true testament to community benevolence. This event will allow thousands of meals to be distributed and for yet another year, people in need in Broward County will have food and services delivered through LifeNet 4 Families. According to Melanie, “Fighting hunger is a critical first step in our journey to   “changing lives” and that is why this event is so important”

About LifeNet4Families:

Founded in 1985, LifeNet4Families’ mission is to be a seamless system of care for those in need in Broward County, by providing necessary food, ancillary services and referrals. To accomplish this mission, LifeNet4Familieserves   approximately 93,000 meals to individuals and families. LifeNet4Families works to ensure that individuals and  families residing in Broward County and facing hardships are able to obtain food and other basic necessities. While reducing hunger is the primary goal of the organization, LifeNet4Families works to help clients regain or maintain stability by providing clients with access to on-site shower facilities, clothing, counseling, referrals, job readiness preparation, on-site nurse, emergency financial assistance, mailing address usage, and mail retrieval services. From the humble beginnings of distributing a few peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the homeless, to more than 28 million meals over the last decade, the agency’s dramatic development has reflected both the growing numbers and the growing needs of the poor in the community.

About Andy’s Family Pasta Dinner:

Everyyear since2002AndyCagnetta has invited his friends,familyandpeersto join him for an old-fashioned familypasta dinner that is fun for the entirefamily.Over thelast13years,the eventhas raised in excess of $600,000 for LifeNet4Families,and provided more than 600,000 meals to the food in secure individuals and families in Broward County.  In 2015, 850 individuals and families attended the event raising over $182,000.