Catering company owner donates to Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley
This week, Mark Fusillo continued his company’s holiday tradition of donating to the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley for the fourth year in a row.
Fusillo is the owner and executive chef of Fusillo Catering, Inc. based in Campbell.
“My father started the catering business in 1976 and all of us kids, my siblings, worked there at some capacity all through high school,” he said. “Then I went to culinary school, and I moved to Florida, and I spent my 20s in Florida.”
Fusillo said when he returned to the Mahoning Valley, his dad made him a partner in the catering business.
“I took over all the food operations side of the business, and then right after COVID-19, he retired and handed the business over to me, and I’ve been the owner and the chef since 2021,” Fusillo said.
He donated $2,500 to the Rescue Mission which will provide 1,000 meals to those in need during the Christmas season.
“I was in a position to help, and I realized that around the holidays, the Rescue Mission’s occupancy really grows, especially with the meals they do for the public. I figured, if I could buy some meals to ease their financial burden a little bit, I would. I give $2,500 every year during the holiday season to feed 1,000 people and take that off of the Rescue Mission,” Fusillo said.
It’s his fourth consecutive year of support, bringing his total contributions to an impressive $10,000. His unwavering commitment has enabled the Mission to serve 4,000 holiday meals, making a profound impact on the community.
CEO of the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley John Muckridge III expressed gratitude for Fusillo’s continued support over the last few years.
“We can count on him to call us every December with a gift,” Muckridge said. “The Mission is thankful for the generous donations from all our community members throughout the year, not just during the Christmas season. We are grateful for Fusillo Catering and our entire community for their continued generosity and support.”
The Rescue Mission kitchen, with the support of the volunteers, made and served more than 123,000 meals in the dining hall in 2023.
A gift of $2.47 provides one meal for someone in need at the shelter. To make a donation, visit the Rescue Mission website.
“What I do is feed people, and if I can help feed some people that normally can’t afford it, or do something to help the rescue mission feed more people then I’m all in,” Fusillo said. “I wish I could give them that every month.”
