Spaghetti Benefit Raises More Than $19K

Photo provided by MacDonald Training Center

St. Joseph's Feast Day altar adorned with flowers, bread and pastries.

By TBO.COM | Staff
Published: March 31, 2009

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WEST TAMPA - Al Noto began the fundraiser for Tampa's MacDonald Training Center 34 years ago.

Through the years it has grown to a fundraiser that attracts people from all walks of life, including judges, politicians and civic leaders who come to lend a hand serving spaghetti.

Noto, of West Tampa, made a promise to St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers, that he would give back to the community if a prayer came true. The annual fundraiser is the manifestation of that prayer coming true.

This year the event was held at the West Tampa Convention Center. About 1,200 people attended and more than $19,000 was raised. The money helps the center, a nonprofit group that works with developmentally disabled adults.

Reporter José Patiño Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659.