Cookies4Chris Honors Marietta Barrett And Raises Nearly $20,000

Cookies4Chris, an annual Pittsburgh-area fundraiser benefiting the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, followed a different recipe this year.

The event, which has been a luncheon for the past eight years, became an evening gala this year and honored co-founder Marietta Barrett, who passed away in December.

Marietta was first a friend and then sister-in-law to Chris Sapienza, the event’s namesake and mother of Alliance CEO Michael Sapienza. Chris died from colon cancer in 2009.

This year’s Cookies4Chris was organized by an incredible volunteer committee led by Karla Sartori, Cathy Tannenholz, and Tabitha Cavanaugh.

With attendees’ generosity, Cookies4Chris raised nearly $20,000 this year for efforts to end colorectal cancer.

“I am full of gratitude for the allies who took responsibility for and supported Cookies4Chris after my aunt Marietta passed, ensuring this event continues to positively impact Pittsburgh and honor my mom’s memory,” Sapienza said .

The event, held May 23 at South Hills Country Club, included a seated dinner, silent auction, vendors, and the famous Pittsburgh cookie table.

Signature sponsors were UPMC, Frank Sapienza and Diane Hornyak, Michael Sapienza and Nathan Mattson, Dean Honda, Harolds Flowers, and Treasure Hunt.