District 88 names Dominick’s Pizza & Pasta as January Business Partner

During its Jan. 12 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education, along with the administration, named Maria Lazzara Pickerill with Dominick’s Pizza & Pasta in Villa Park as a Business Partner. The Business Partner program recognizes companies, organizations and individuals for their support in building futures for District 88 students and helping to accomplish the district’s mission and vision.

Pickerill and Dominick’s Pizza & Pasta are a prime example of an individual and company working with the district to achieve its goals. She is always willing to support District 88 and goes above and beyond for the district's students, families and events. The following are just some examples of Pickerill's incredible involvement and generosity. Dominick’s Pizza & Pasta:

1. Donates pizzas for the annual Relay For Life of District 88 Youth, a community event that raises funds for the American Cancer Society.
   
   
2. Donates pizzas for the concession stand during Willowbrook’s Homecoming Football Game, which helps raise funds for the school’s Athletic Booster Club to support student-athletes and athletic programs.
   
   
3. Opens early on weekends to accommodate Willowbrook’s concession stand needs for special events.
   
   
4. Offers special pricing and donations for the Willowbrook Athletic Booster Club’s Senior Athletic Banquet, Coaches Luncheon and Parents Night Out.
   
   
5. Partners with Willowbrook athletics to “Go Gold” throughout September in support of Cal’s Angels and finding a cure for pediatric cancer.
   
   
6. Is the official provider of meals for the Willowbrook Football Team (at a discounted price).
   
   
7. Provides financial support as a PowerAD sponsor of Willowbrook’s new digital score table in the school’s main gym.
   
   
8. Provides donations for the Willowbrook Music Booster Club’s Trivia Night.
   
   
9. Has provided meals for vendors during the Willowbrook Parent Organization’s Craft Fair.

Most recently, Willowbrook Assistant Principal for Athletics and Operations Ed Sullivan pitched the idea to Pickerill of hosting a halftime contest during home varsity boys and girls basketball games, where participants get three attempts to make a half-court shot. The intent is to increase student attendance at games. As Sullivan said: 

“Without hesitation, Maria agreed to sponsor the contest, and she generously donates a jumbo three-topping thin-crust pizza for anyone who successfully completes the challenge. She even went out of her way to get special coupons printed. It has created a buzz and excitement at our contests, which would not be possible without Maria’s support!”

Willowbrook Principal Dr. Daniel Krause added, “Maria and Dominick’s Pizza & Pasta are a Villa Park mainstay and an incredible partner with Willowbrook High School and District 88.”

As you can see, Maria with Dominick’s Pizza & Pasta is a tremendous Business Partner, and District 88 is proud to recognize her efforts and collaboration.

• To watch the presentation, click on the video above.
  
  
• To view a photo gallery, see the images below. Click on the images for photo captions.
  
  
• District 88 is always looking to develop more partnerships, and those who are interested can find information at www.dupage88.net/BusinessPartnerships.