Free food and drinks for a cause in Old Bridge

Employees of Giuseppe's restaurant dish out free food for attendees during the third annual Customer Appreciation Day at the Bilow Park shopping center in Old Bridge.

OLD BRIDGE — Giusseppe's Pizzeria hosted its third annual Customer Appreciation Day at the Bilow Park shopping center on Route 516.

The benefit event attracted hundreds of guests to participate in the fight against cancer. Specifically, the event raised money for the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick. Those in attendance were treated to free food, prizes and a meet and greet with Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter Frank Edgar, among many other activities.

The 90-degree weather did not discourage attendees as Coca-Cola and Alexander's Iced Tea sponsored the event with unlimited beverages to complement the free pizza and fried calamari, courtesy of Giusseppe's restaurant. As the local shop owners of Bilow Park worked to make the event a success, Giusseppe's proprietor Carlo Castronovo served as host for the event. The Sayreville native is known for giving back to the community.

"The event is a great cause and continues to uphold a great tradition in Old Bridge. Carlo has made a positive impact in this town," said Old Bridge Mayor Jim Phillips. "I hope that we can continue to expand this tradition."

Also in attendance was Unico National, the largest Italian-American Organization in the country. Theresa Sicignano, president and founding member of the Greater Old Bridge chapter of Unico, was happy to contribute.

The charity event continued through the afternoon as guests nostalgically danced to songs like Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and indulged themselves in hourly raffles where they could win a pair of Yankees tickets, among other donated prizes. Many lined up to grab an autograph from Edgar.

"There are a lot of people out there in need. It is always good to help whenever you can," said the UFC fighter, a native of Toms River.