'A big, big success'

Kristy Pistacchio, dough raiser extraordinaire!

That’s a title the manager at Walgreens on 1387 Plainfield St. in Johnston really enjoys at this time every year.

So much so that Pistacchio – whose husband, Jon, is a Johnston firefighter – is hoping to set a record by raising $3,000 in support of Walgreens’ partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to continue ongoing efforts to end child poverty.

To date, the Walgreens annual fundraising program has taken in $150 million.

“Our job is to raise as much money as possible by the time Red Nose Day rolls around,” Pistacchio said.

Locally, the Walgreens Red Nose Day took in $2,014 last year. However, if Pistacchio and her “Kristy’s Krew” team have their way, they hope to add upwards of $3,000 to this year’s total.

She has already enjoyed success at two fundraisers, the first of which was a “Dough Raiser” held last Thursday at Pizzeria Uno in Smithfield that netted “Kristy’s Krew” 20 percent from each of the day’s guest checks.

Last night, in fact, Pistacchio and her team hosted a Multi-Vendor Bingo and Quarter Auction at the Portuguese American Social & Atlantic Club in Smithfield. Tickets are priced between $10 and $15,with proceeds going to the Red Nose Day Child Poverty program.

In keeping with what has become a tradition for her Red Nose Day efforts, Pistacchio is bringing back the popular Ladies Night. That is on tap for next Thursday evening, May 23, beginning at 7 p.m. at Bar 101, a popular Johnston bar/eatery that has hosted three pervious Ladies Nights.

“We really appreciate Pete, Justin and Jamie for all they do for Red Nose Day each year,” Pistacchio said of the Bar 101 partners, who in years past have put out a sampling of their many fine foods. “This is event is always so much fun.”

One reason, in particular, is that many different vendors come to Bar 101 and set up displays and donate a certain percentage of their profits during Ladies Night. Admission to the event is free.

The event will feature what Pistacchio called a “huge raffle,” as well as Bar 101’s free buffet and drinks specials throughout the event.

Also, as Pistacchio said earlier this week: “I’m excited to have a special appearance from psychic/medium Roxanne Jasparro, who will be on hand to conduct mini readings.”

Pistacchio also announced that some of the Ladies Night prizes will range from artist Joey Mirabile’s artwork of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper to a Younique prize pack donated by Younique’s Debi McGillick and two tickets to see Nelly, TLC and Flo Rida at the Xfinity Center on Aug. 11.

Next Friday, May 24, will be Red Nose Day at elementary schools in Johnston as well as the Early Childhood Center.

“Many or most of the children at the schools will be dressed in red,” Pistacchio noted. “They’ll each receive a red nose with a $2 donation that will, as it has in year’s past, helped help our national campaign to lift children and young people out of poverty.”

The campaign won’t be complete until it wraps up with an event at the Rhode Island Indoor Karting Bar in Lincoln. Forty percent of each ticket sold will go to the Red Nose Day Fund.

“Axe throwing is very popular now,” Pistacchio noted, “so I am hoping we can make this night a big, big success.”

She said people should visit riindoorkarting.com/rednose-day for more information.

Pistacchio also pointed out that this year are five different red noses, four of which are super heroes, and when you buy an Everyday Hero Red Nose, you help children in need stay safe, healthy and educated.