Bringing Long Island Together-One Slice at a Time
Long Island Pizza Strong, a grassroots initiative founded in 2023, continues to demonstrate the power of community through food. The organization is once again rallying local pizzerias for a meaningful fundraiser on February 25, 2026, with proceeds benefiting the family of Officer Patricia Espinosa, whose life was tragically lost due to a drunk-driving incident.
On that day, $5 from every pizza pie sold at participating pizzerias will be donated directly to Officer Espinosa’s family, with organizers confirming that 100% of the proceeds go straight to supporting them.
The Founders Behind Long Island Pizza Strong
Long Island Pizza Strong was founded in 2023 by a trio of local food and business professionals committed to supporting their community: Alyssa Guidice, Anthony Laurino, and Jim Serpico. Their combined passion for hospitality, community engagement, and philanthropy helped turn a simple idea into a powerful regional movement.
Alyssa Guidice is the founder of the popular Dine-LI Facebook group and a longtime advocate for Long Island’s restaurant community.
Anthony Laurino, owner of Phil’s Pizzeria & Restaurant in Syosset, brings more than 35 years of experience in the pizza and restaurant industry.
Jim Serpico, a film and television producer as well as founder of Serpico’s Bread Co., contributes both creative vision and community leadership.
Together, they created Long Island Pizza Strong to organize large-scale fundraisers that mobilize local pizzerias to support families affected by tragedies and community crises.
“This fundraiser really is a double whammy — you get to help twice by supporting a local family while also showing love to a local business. We know donating $5 per pie can add up quickly these days, so we truly appreciate every pizzeria that participates and completely understand those that simply can’t.” — Alyssa Guidice
How Long Island Pizza Strong Began
The initiative was first launched following the devastating Farmingdale band bus crash in 2023. Seeking a way to provide financial relief and show solidarity, local pizzerias joined forces for a one-day fundraiser.
The concept was simple yet powerful: pick a day, sell pizza, and donate a portion of each pie sold to those affected by tragedy.
Since then, the effort has evolved into a recurring community movement, helping Long Islanders support one another during difficult times.
A Track Record of Community Impact
Long Island Pizza Strong has already produced impressive results:
October 25, 2023–Farmingdale Bus Crash Relief: 143 pizzerias participated, selling 15,437 pies and raising $102,200.
April 17, 2024–Honoring Officer Jonathan Diller & First Responder Causes: 257 pizzerias sold 31,377 pies, generating $181,500 for families and hero support organizations.
October 23, 2024–West Babylon Crash Relief: 199 locations sold 18,856 pies, raising $105,000 for impacted families.
Each event highlights how Long Islanders consistently show up for their neighbors when it matters most.
Supporting Officer Patricia Espinosa’s Family
This year’s fundraiser focuses on honoring Officer Patricia Espinosa while supporting her loved ones. Organizers hope the event not only provides financial assistance but also raises awareness about the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the importance of community care.
At the time of publication, more than 225 Long Island pizzerias had already signed on to participate.
How to Participate in Long Island Pizza Strong
Residents can simply:
Visit a participating Long Island pizzeria on February 25, 2026
Purchase a pizza pie
Know that $5 from each pie goes directly to Officer Espinosa’s family
A full list of participating locations can be found on the organization’s website, lipizzastrong.com.
A Slice That Makes a Difference
Long Island Pizza Strong continues to prove that even a simple meal can create meaningful impact. On February 25, grabbing a pizza isn’t just dinner—it’s a chance to support a grieving family, stand against drunk driving, and reinforce the strong sense of community Long Island is known for.
Mark the date, choose a local pizzeria, and help turn one pizza into real support for a family that needs it most.
