The record for the world’s longest savoury pizza, measuring 1930.39 metres, was broken in California, USA, on June 10, 2017. But the record achieved here in Sydney was so much sweeter, literally.
In a triumph for both the local community and Starlight Children’s Foundation, the Nutella pizza at The Home Grounds, a popular restaurant in Five Dock owned by Pierre and Rose Moio, measured in at an incredible 103 metres.
The record-breaking dish was prepared by Italian pizzaiolo Giuseppe Santoro and his team.
The ambitious challenge began at dawn, with The Home Grounds staff diligently preparing pizza from 4am.
The charitable aspect of the event added an exciting dimension, with participating local businesses donating $500 for every half metre of pizza.
A highlight of the day was the auction for the honour of purchasing the first slice of the monumental Nutella pizza.
Janine Marra, owner of a well-known funeral home in Five Dock, showed her commitment to the cause by winning the auction with a generous bid of $1000, meaning the event not only broke a record, but also promoted community spirit and generosity.
Online donations were also well received, with the ambitious goal of reaching $50,000 for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Reflecting on the success of the event, Marra did not hide her joy.
“Absolutely spectacular to see so many people in the community come together to celebrate a record and raise money for children,” she said.
“It was a world record on the one hand and a success on a human level because of the generosity of all the sponsors and all those present on the other.”
Josie Galiano, press relations officer of The Home Grounds, reported the extraordinary turnout of about 4000 people who turned out in droves throughout the day.
Funds raised from the event reached an impressive total, at the time of writing, of $33,294, a testament to the community’s willingness to support a noble cause.
The presence of prominent figures added further prestige to the event, with Ben Fordham from 2GB radio, Spiro Christopoulos, Vic Lorusso, Alfio Bonanno, The Wiggles and the winners of My Kitchen Rules all in attendance.
Also present were some of Sydney’s Italian associations, such as the Gia Network with Domenico Stefanelli, the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund represented by Felice Montrone, Antonio Bamonte and Giuseppe Trombetta.
There was lots of fun for the children too, who were entertained by Spider Man and Spider Woman. The pizza itself then became a canvas for creativity, as those who won My Kitchen Rules added their own personal touch by decorating sections of it.
A sense of community, achievement and solidarity characterised the whole day, making this record-breaking event a truly memorable and impactful one.
