This weekend, the pizza capital of the world is coming together for a fundraiser and a feast.
OLD FORGE, Pa. — Pizza plays a key part in a 5K run and feast set for Saturday in Old Forge. It all supports the Old Forge Fire Department.
“We are all going to come together to support them because they support us,” said Amanda Krappa. Amanda works at Arcaro and Genell in Old Forge. It’s one of many restaurants donating trays of pizza for participants of the Old Forge Run for the Pizza 5K.
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“We hope they have a big turnout for the fundraiser and they make a lot of money to keep equipment up-to-date for us,” she said.
A’leia Stull is a volunteer firefighter in Old Forge. This race is in its 4th year, and she’s organizing it. “We started the Old Forge Run for the Pizza 5K as something new to try. It’s outdoorsy. We have to give our borough a little credit because they’re so supportive of us. It’s kind of grown from there.”
Part of the proceeds from the race will go towards a new training facility that the fire department is developing, helping them better protect the community.
“This is a roof mock-up. So you can practice as if you were ventilating a roof. And then eventually, we’ll have a ladder here, we’ll have some windows in here,” said Stull.
The funds will also go toward updating equipment, operational costs, and fuel.
They are also trying something new this year. 50% of race fees will support a four-day stay at Camp Susquehanna for burn victims.
“When I first heard of the burn network at Camp Susquehanna at the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy, it was a cause that struck deep for me,” Stull said.
The Old Forge Run for the Pizza 5K starts at 9 a.m. Saturday. Registration opens at 7:45 a.m. There will also be a 1-mile walk and maybe even a foot race with a firefighter. For more information, click here.