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First Posted: 4/5/2013

The Rotary Club of the Abingtons, in keeping with its motto “service above self,” will hold its annual pasta dinner from 2 to 6 p.m. April 28, at Abington Heights High School. The proceeds will benefit a host of local youth initiatives.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12. Takeouts will be available. Tickets may be purchased from any Abington Rotarian or by calling 947.2705.

Dinners will be served by “happy Rotarians” and some of the “finest young people” in the Abingtons, said president Joe Pagnani, noting Abington Little Leaguers will be among those assisting. “They’re a lot of fun, and they do a great job, the little guys and girls.”

In addition to the club’s award- winning meatballs, popular chef Joe Schiavone and his son Sam will make their homemade special recipe sauce. Salad, dessert and beverages will be served. “It’s delicious homemade sauce and all the pasta you can eat,” said Pagnani, who is known as Pasta Joe and who will be assisting with dinner preparations.

“I do love to cook, but chef Schiavone is the real deal,” Pagnani said.

Pagnani’s goal is to sell 800 to 1,000 tickets. “Everything we do is for our community,” he said. “It’s a win-win, because it’s really good food and every penny we make goes for great causes.”

The money will go to Allied Services Pediatrics/ DePaul School, whose mission is to help students with dyslexia and other related learning disabilities so they can return to conventional classrooms; the Abington Little League; the Charlie Russello Cancer Fund and other Clarks Summit area youth initiatives.

“They’re all great causes and do great work,” Pagnani said.