Our Pasta Party began in 2013 with a simple idea - and a lot of heart. When Time Bank members John and Carla Schaeffer invited Nick Castellano to a local fire hall’s spaghetti dinner fundraiser, they weren’t just enjoying a night out. It was a reconnaissance mission: they were gathering inspiration. Our members were eager to launch a pasta fundraiser of their own and wanted to learn how it was done.

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The desserts were delightful, but Nick couldn’t help thinking of the rich, homemade gravy he grew up with - slow-simmered, made with care, and rooted in family tradition. He knew that bringing those familiar Italian flavors to the table could turn a good meal into a truly memorable experience.

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That first Pasta Party was a true labor of love. Nick cooked through the night in his own kitchen, fueled by enthusiasm and the belief that food brings people together. Word spread quickly, and before long the buzz reached local news outlets, shining a spotlight on what our community was building. Click here to read what PA Eats wrote about us.

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For many years, the Pasta Party was a joyful sit-down celebration - filled with shared tables, conversation, and live entertainment - until COVID reshaped how we gathered in 2020. Since then, the event has evolved into a take-home meal experience prepared in a commercial kitchen, giving our team greater flexibility while preserving the warmth, tradition, and sense of community that have always defined the Pasta Party.

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This evolution also opened the door to deeper community impact. In recent years, we’ve proudly partnered with Good Samaritan Services as a beneficiary of the Pasta Party. During the fundraising period, supporters can order meals directly through our website that are donated to Good Samaritan Services and shared with their clients - extending the care and generosity behind every dish well beyond our own tables.

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Behind the scenes, the Pasta Party is a true labor of love. Nick’s wife, Kelly LeMarbe, who has been part of the event from the very beginning, brings her expertise as a professional caterer to every detail. Planning begins as early as summer for our fall event, with careful attention given to meal counts, ingredients, and donations. Kelly’s meticulous notes and thoughtful preparation help ensure that every resource is used well and nothing goes to waste.

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Together, Nick and Kelly pour countless hours, care, and heart into making the Pasta Party what it is - a celebration of good food, shared purpose, and community generosity. We are deeply grateful for their leadership, dedication, and the love they bring to this cherished tradition year after year.