Thousands Attend Annual KDKA Radio Spaghetti Breakfast Benefit Event

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - For more than three decades, the staff of KDKA Radio and dozens of volunteers have joined forces to feed spaghetti to the people of Pittsburgh - for breakfast.

Early Friday morning, by the splashing waters of the Heinz Hall garden, the KDKA Radio Spaghetti Breakfast made its return.

Morning crew Larry Richert and John Shumway did their show live on location while thousands filed through to start their day with a healthy portion of pasta, meatballs, sausage and bread.

The tradition dates back to the late John Cigna who came up with the idea in the early 80's as a way to help the Little Sisters of the Poor.

"We are very grateful for all they do to help us provide for our elderly for what we do for Pittsburgh," Sister Margaret Mary said.

In addition to the monetary donations, the Little Sisters of the Poor were collecting canned food, but that is not all they do.

"We have our home on Benton Avenue in Brighton Heights, where we have about 96 residents that we care for like they are our own family. We take care of them with the respect, dignity and love that they deserve," Sister Mary said.

The Little Sisters of the Poor came to Pittsburgh in 1870's. For 70 years, Sister Monique has served the elderly and those who need a hand.

"We are very grateful and appreciative of all you do help us and we also try to help everybody that we can," Sister Monique said.

While the radio program rolled on, and the spaghetti was being served, the sisters stress it isn't just food being offered up.

"We would like to say to everyone, we thank you for your generosity and we assure you of our prayers," Sister Mary said.

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