Fun, food aren't rare at Saint Rocco's Steak Fry

When it comes to fundraising, the Holy Name Society at Saint Rocco’s Church is in a class of its own.

For the fourth time in as many years, the Holy Name Society held its fourth annual Steak Fry under the “Big Top.” Holy Name Society President Richard Montella said that a different charity is supported every year, and this time around proceeds went to Johnston’s own The Autism Project.

Once the night’s attendees had finished their 16-ounce ribeye steak dinner – which was expertly prepared by grillmasters Jim Okolowitcz and Albie Cazeault – Montella emphasized, “Through the generosity of everyone attending tonight’s dinner, we’ll deliver in excess of $4,000 to The Autism Project.”

It was fitting, as WPRI anchor Mike Montecalvo put it, that “tonight’s proceeds will benefit The Autism Project, which provides training, consultation, support services and social programming for families, professionals and the community.”

In the middle of Friday night’s Streak Fry was Gianluca Fava, 7, whose parents, Alex and Stephanie Fava, were smiling from ear to ear when Montella announced the night’s profits would benefit The Autism Project.

Stephanie Fava, who is a secretary at Saint Rocco’s Church, explained as she and her husband Alex hugged Gianluca during a special family photo session: “Gianluca was diagnosed with autism when he was only 2 years old. [We’re] thrilled tonight’s turnout will result in a donation for The Autism Project.”

Montella, meanwhile, explained that the Steak Fry “has grown steadily over the years and tonight is no exception. There aren’t many empty seats, and for that we’re thankful to each and every parishioner and their guests who joined us here tonight.”

Moreover, as Montella announced amid cheers and the fun-filled raffle drawing, the Holy Name Society is already planning for 2020.

“The Autism Project is a nonprofit organization in Rhode Island that offers a unique array of [autism spectrum disorder] resources, evidence-based interventions and social skills programming,” Montella said. “The beautiful part is that it’s based right here in Johnston and will help individuals like our own Gianluca Fava.”