Join Us for an Evening of Food, Fun & Hope
Gather your family and friends for an evening of great food, community, and purpose at the Spark-ghetti Dinner, Maddie's Spark Foundation's inaugural annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser.
This family-friendly event brings our community together to enjoy a delicious meal while helping fund life-changing research for individuals living with VLCAD deficiency, a rare genetic metabolic disorder with no cure.
Event Details
Adults (13+): $15
Children (12 & Under): $8
Guests will enjoy:
🍝 A delicious spaghetti dinner
🎟️ Silent auction featuring unique local items and experiences
💙 An opportunity to learn about Maddie's Spark Foundation and the families we serve
✨ A chance to connect with supporters, volunteers, and community members making a difference
Every dollar raised supports the Early SparCK Initiative, a research partnership with Dr. Jerry Vockley and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh focused on developing better disease management tools and advancing therapies for individuals living with VLCAD deficiency.
Bring your appetite, invite your friends, and help us spark hope, one plate of spaghetti at a time.
Silent Auction Preview
Come ready to bid! Our growing silent auction is filled with sports memorabilia, Pittsburgh experiences, family activities, dining, shopping, self-care, and more.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Collector’s Piece
Take home a lithographed photo of Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward.Experience Pitt Men’s Basketball
Cheer on the Panthers with four tickets to a select 2026–27 Pitt Men’s Basketball home game, courtesy of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics.
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Bounce Town 412 Party Fun
Make your next gathering a blast with a $150 gift certificate from Bounce Town 412 toward a bounce house rental or party supplies.The Ultimate Urban Air Adventure
Enjoy two Ultimate Access jump passes, two pairs of Urban Air socks, and two Urban Air bracelets from Urban Air Adventure Park – North Fayette.A Day at Phipps Conservatory
Explore the gardens and seasonal displays at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens with four admission passes, valid through May 31, 2027.Kamin Science Center Adventure
Enjoy a hands-on day of discovery and family fun with two admission passes to Kamin Science Center.Explore The Andy Warhol Museum
Discover the art and legacy of one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic artists with two admission passes to The Andy Warhol Museum.Discover Pittsburgh History
Explore the stories that shaped our region with four admission passes to the Senator John Heinz History Center.A Visit to the National Aviary
Meet birds from around the world with four general admission tickets to the National Aviary.
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$250 Levin Furniture Shopping Spree
Refresh your home with a $250 gift card from Levin Furniture.A Little Kendra Scott Sparkle
Add something special to your jewelry collection with a custom necklace from Kendra Scott.Today’s Hair Beauty Basket
Enjoy a collection of Paul Mitchell hair products along with one complimentary haircut from Today’s Hair.
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Three Dogs Alaskan Salsa Collection
Take home eight jars of salsa from Three Dogs Alaskan Salsa.big Burrito Restaurant Group
Enjoy a $25 restaurant gift card.GourmetGiftBaskets.com
Choose something special with a $25 gift certificate.Gordon Food Service
Stock up with a $50 gift card.Spoonwood Brewing Company
Enjoy a $25 gift certificate.Garden of Eating
Enjoy two $20 gift cards, a total value of $40.
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Family Game Night Basket
Everything needed for a fun night together.Classic Game Night Basket
A second family game-night basket built around the classic games.Book Club Reading Basket
A cozy collection created for readers and book lovers.Pre-K and Kindergarten Activity Set
A collection of activities for young learners.Spa and Bath Basket
A relaxing assortment of spa and bath items.
And much more! Additional items will continue to be added as we get closer to the Spark-ghetti Dinner.
Each winning bid supports our Early SparCK Initiative, a research partnership with Dr. Jerry Vockley and his team at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
The Spark-ghetti Dinner would not be possible without the generous businesses and community partners helping us bring this event to life. Their support allows more of the funds raised throughout the evening to directly fuel VLCAD research through our Early SparCK Initiative.
Thank You to our In-Kind Sponsors
Nothing Bundt Cake
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Inc.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Senator John Heinz History Center
Spoonwood Brewing Company
The Andy Warhol Museum
Three Dogs Alaskan Salsa
Tiara Todd
Today’s Hair
University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics
Urban Air Adventure Park – North Fayette
AVM Automotive
big Burrito Restaurant Group
Bounce Town 412
Garden of Eating
Gordon Food Service
GourmetGiftBaskets.com
Handcrafted on Hemlock
Kamin Science Center
Kendra Scott Jewelry
Levin Furniture
National Aviary
Interested in Supporting the Spark-ghetti Dinner?
Become an event sponsor to help support this event and make a direct investment in critical VLCAD research through our partnership with Dr. Jerry Vockley and his team at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Sponsors receive recognition before, during, and after the event through promotional materials, event signage, social media, and our website based on sponsorship level.
You can also support the event by donating a silent auction item, gift card, experience, themed basket, product, or service. Every donation helps us raise additional funds to accelerate research for better disease management tools, future therapies, and ultimately a cure for VLCAD deficiency.
For sponsorship opportunities or to donate a silent auction item, contact:
Ashley Bauer
📞 423-329-6350
✉️ ashley@maddiesspark.org