Origins of the Pasta Party
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our ingredients
Plenty of nonprofits and community groups host pasta dinners - but there’s something special about ours. No one makes Italian gravy quite like Nick. Every pot is crafted with patience, pride, and a deep respect for the traditions he grew up with.
Nick’s gravy starts with thoughtfully chosen tomatoes, blended and layered to build depth and richness. Then come the stars of the pot: tender meatballs and sweet Italian sausage, each prepared with care to bring out the best flavor. As everything cooks together, the savory juices melt into the sauce, creating a depth you simply can’t find in anything that comes from a jar.
The gravy simmers slowly for hours, filling the kitchen with warmth and anticipation as it deepens to a beautiful, rich burgundy. It’s then left to rest overnight, giving the flavors time to fully come together - because the best things are never rushed. The next day, the stove is fired up once more, and the gravy is gently warmed to perfection, ready to be served over pasta or squash.
It’s more than a meal. It’s a labor of love, shared with the community one plate at a time.
If you want to get technical, click here as Nick talks about his approach to making the gravy and all the components that go into it.
A pasta dinner with all the works.
Our Sponsors
Over the years, we've been lucky to have been supported by some amazing local businesses who truly care about their local community. In 2025, we were fortunate to have the support (cash, kind and moral!) of the businesses below. Join us in 2026 as we make it our biggest year yet, all to support the PA Time Bank and Good Samaritan Services.
Our take-out dinner features Nick Castellano's traditional Italian Gravy (Meatballs and Sausage) and pasta. Spaghetti Squash is offered as an alternative to pasta and our Vegetarian Sauce is offered as an alternative to the Italian Gravy. Each dinner also includes Parmesan Cheese, Breadsticks, Salad, and Dessert.
Dinners are $17 each or $60 for 4 dinners. Orders can be placed online beginning September 7, 2026 at 9 AM or, if you prefer, you may call in your order to 610-608-9281.
We are again partnering with Good Samaritan Services in Phoenixville to include an option to purchase a meal that is donated to residents at the organization's homeless shelter for men. We encourage everyone who can to chip in and buy an extra meal for them!
Our popular raffle baskets will be making a comeback this year. Come back soon to see what amazing prizes we have in store!
If you have any questions or need help with your order, please call Margo at 610-608-9281, or email info@patimebank.org.
PATB graciously thanks our sponsors for their support again this year.
Order Deadline: Thursday, October 22, 11:00 PM
Order Pickup: Saturday, October 24, 4:30-6:00 pm
Pickup Location: St. John's Lutheran Church, 355 St. John's Circle, Phoenixville
Delivery: $5 delivery charge per address within 12 miles of St. John's Church
Most importantly, THANK YOU to everyone supporting the Phoenixville Area Time Bank!
Check out our baskets generously donated by local businesses! More pictures to come!
