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 per plate
Children (12 & Under): $8 per plate
Advanced purchase of tickets is recommended to ensure a plate.
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: Find Your Favorite!
A Roomba for your home, a night cheering on the Panthers, or everything you need for a family taco night. Our Spark-ghetti Dinner silent auction has plenty to get excited about!
Your winning bid helps support VLCAD research through our Early SparCK research Initiative at UPMC Children’s Hospital.
Get a head start on the bidding! Our online silent auction opens Sunday, November 8 at 8 AM EST, with additional items available exclusively in person at the Spark-ghetti Dinner. All bidding closes Sunday, November 14 at 7:30 PM EST. Register to bid, pick your favorites, and help support VLCAD research!
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
Levin Furniture
Pam MacMurdo
Ashley Mrskowski
National Aviary
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
Drew & Gina Batvinskas
big Burrito Restaurant Group
Bruster’s Ice Cream- Robinson
Bounce Town 412
Cindy Lauderbaugh
Cooked Goose Catering
The Deans Family
Eat'n Park
Garden of Eating Pizzeria
The Gilfillan Family
Gordon Food Service
GourmetGiftBaskets.com
Handcrafted on Hemlock
Kamin Science Center
Kendra Scott Jewelry
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