Emerald Heights Resident Memorialized in Pasta Festa Scholarship Fundraiser

January 25, 2024

REDMOND, WA — Long-time Emerald Heights resident Richard (Dick) Pizzo, who passed away in 2023, was recently honored at the annual Pasta Festa Scholarship Fundraiser hosted by St. Jude Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus in this Seattle suburb that is home to Microsoft and Nintendo of America.

Pizzo had been a dedicated Knights of Columbus member and a leader in launching the scholarship program, according to a press release. Emerald Heights provided transportation for several of his friends in the community to attend the event and help honor his legacy.

“Dick was an exceptional man in our community, and he was dedicated to serving others. His cooking, love of wine, and warm and welcoming smile will be missed,” said Grant Linacre, executive director of Emerald Heights. “It’s great to see the community celebrating the impact Dick had on the Knights of Columbus and the scholarship program.”

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The fundraising event included an Italian dinner, kid activities, a 50/50 raffle, and a live auction, and all proceeds go directly to the scholarship fund. This year, the Knights of Columbus are awarding a $2,000 scholarship to two graduating high school seniors who are selected based on their community involvement, academic achievement, and financial need.

Emerald Heights, sponsored by Emerald Communities, is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) senior housing and services organization. The community is a Type A life-care community on 38 acres in the Education Hill area of Redmond; it’s an amenity-rich and resort-style senior living community, with an on-site healthcare center providing assisted living, memory support, and Medicare-certified skilled-nursing care. The community provides residences, amenities, and services to people ages 55 and older.