When the District 113 Education Foundation first hosted the Pizza Bowl three years ago, the board members brought their own baked goods for dessert. This year, however, was the first year with the Baker’s Cup as well. Foundation co-president Barbara Sereda helped make the decision to recruit professional bakeries for the event.

“The board members used to ask, ‘Well, can we vote on what we baked ourselves?’, so we figured it was time to add the Baker’s Cup.”

Guests paid a ten dollar entrance fee to sample all bakery items and pizzas with the Highland Park and Deerfield jazz band providing the entertainment.  With seven pizza vendors and 11 bakeries, event goers had a wide range of options to taste before voting on their favorite items. Sarpino’s and Wapaghetti’s joined this year’s pizza selection alongside reigning champion Viccino’s and locally acclaimed Domino’s and Lou Malnati’s.

Lou Malnati’s Marketing Coordinator and Deerfield parent Valery McAvoy was pleased with more than just the publicity that this event brought to her company.

“It’s a really nice way to connect with the community,” McAvoy said while dishing out thick-crust slices to guests. By the end of the night, Lou Malnati’s handed out samples from all 36 pizzas that they brought with them.

Board members expected only three or four bakeries to join, but were pleasantly surprised by the large turnout. The participation of larger grocery stores was especially unexpected; Jewel, Heinen’s, Sunset and Whole Foods all brought their own selection of treats for guests to try.

Dean Li, student representative for the foundation, volunteered by serving the caramel nut clusters for Heinen’s’ contribution to the competition. Behind the scenes, Li has helped recruit student volunteers and has volunteered at the past three Pizza Bowls.

“The event gets bigger every year and it’s been a pleasure to see it grow,” Li said. “It’s been a real display of community solidarity, and I’m glad I could be a part of it.”

Before leaving stuffed, guests expressed different favorites.

Senior Emma Meyerhoff vouched for Lou Malnati’s while fellow senior Brent Drazner sided with past winner Viccino’s.

“I love Viccino’s deep dish,” Drazner said.  “It’s all about the sauce.”

Sereda wasn’t at liberty to pick her favorite, but she did name all vendors her favorite participants because of their enthusiasm to join the event and bond with the community. With co-president and fellow parent Susan Wexler, Sereda found the event to be meaningful and ultimately successful.

“We both have kids in the school district,” Sereda said.  “We felt very strongly about education and what a great educational program they have at District 113, so we wanted to give back a little and support the schools. So this is how we do it, and it’s fun!”

As the board members came together for a final tally of the votes, Lou Malnati’s pizza and Baker Boy’s cupcakes were named the winners. The guests favored their signature, local tastes.

With over 300 guests and 20 student volunteers, the Pizza Bowl and Baker’s Cup found success in their new dinner and dessert combination. There’s nothing like good food and a little friendly competition to bring a community together.