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Date: 4/20/2023
WILBRAHAM — Small business owners and community members in Wilbraham are rallying around one of their own after Pan’e Dolcetti owner Felice Aiello’s doctors recently discovered a mass on his kidney and learned that it was a type of kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma.
The husband and father of three young children is being treated by oncologists in Boston, according to a GoFundMe page set up on his behalf. The bakery and coffee shop is the family’s sole source of income and Aiello “plays as critical role” at the shop, according to a social media post from the business.
The post explained that Aiello’s diagnosis “may change how we do things around here for a while.” Nearly all the baked goods listed on the website are marked as out of stock. The coffee drinks are still available to order, however.
A single sentence on the business’s website acknowledges the difficulty the family is facing, reading, “We are so grateful for all your love and support!”
The largest financial source of support so far has come through a GoFundMe campaign, which was created “in hopes of supporting them with medical, travel and family expenses to ease their burden,” according to the fundraiser creator, Lucy Bianchi.
The fundraiser began three weeks ago with a $50,000 goal. With about 580 donations, as of press time, the campaign has raised $50,675. Donations to the fundraising campaign can be made at gofundme.com/f/aiello-family-support.
Friends and family have also organized Positive Vibes for Pan’e Dolcetti, a fundraiser at Iron Duke Brewing, 100 State St., Building 122. On Sunday, May 21, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the community can raise money and support the family through donations and raffles. The brewery will be donating a percentage of their food and drink sales to the family. Over 300 people have expressed interest in attending the fundraising event. While there will be no cover charge, donations are encouraged.
Springfield Thunderbirds mascot Boomer will be there, courtesy of Macaroni Kid Springfield. There will also be a face painter and a slime-making activity by Zounique Creations for children and chair massages available from Excel Therapy & Conditioning.
Businesses donating raffle items include Dr. Glen Brooks & Spa on the Green, The Sweet Boutique by the Ginger Baker, Family Bike & Sports, PURE Massage & Body Work, InnerGlow Skin Studio, Lek’s Spa and Double J Western Store. To donate an item or gift certificate to be raffled, contact the event hosts at tinyurl.com/5btyhct8.
In Wilbraham, Alice Kempf of Kempf Vanderburgh Realty Consultants said that her company is spearheading a Wednesday, June 14 fundraiser for the Aiello family at Spec Pond. The fundraiser is a collaboration between Kempf Vanderburgh Realty Consultants, Monson Savings Bank, Attorney Jack Lapomardo and Fieldcrest Brewing Company. Several local businesses will have booths set up and Fieldcrest Brewing Company will have food and beer available for purchase. All proceeds will go to the Aiello family, she said.
In a separate fundraiser, wrist bands with Pan’e Dolcetti written on them are being sold for $5 to help the family and can be purchased at tinyurl.com/3txa4s36.
Pan’e Dolcetti is at 2133 Boston Rd., Suite 3, Wilbraham and can be reached at 413-326-3299 or by visiting panedolcetti.com.