By Jan Gaillard
The Virginian Pilot
LYNNHAVEN, Va. — Lettuce sailed through the air at Wawa’s 2nd Annual Hoagiefest.
The Virginia Beach EMS team challenged Virginia Beach’s Life Saving Service team to a hoagie-building rematch in the July 9 charity event.
Kara-hoagie (a hoagie-inspired karaoke competition), tie-dye shirt giveaways, a quarter-mile hoagie and other treats for attendees rounded out the celebration of community spirit at the Wawa at 2954 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Last year’s winners, Virginia Beach EMS, donated money to leukemia research. This year the teams tied, resulting in $1,000 each.
Virginia Beach Life Saving Service will use the $1,000 for safety and educational promotions. Tom Gill, president of the Virginia Beach Lifeguard Association, said he brought his A team to the event.
“Well, I think we won, but we were still happy with the results,” Gill said, laughing. “It all goes back to the community. Safety is one of our core values.”
Bruce Nedelka, Division Chief for Virginia Beach’s Department of Emergency Medical Services, said his team was happy to win the money for a good cause - Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.
“We’re glad to help out some needy people — who are having a tough time right now,” he said.
Debbie Mergi, the food bank’s community events manager, said that $1,000 will feed 4,000 people. Wawa also donated hoagies, enough to feed another 1,000 people, she said.
“Wawa is always incredibly supportive of us all year,” Mergi said.
About 1,000 people ate sandwiches at the 1960s-inspired Hoagiefest 2009, said Lori Bruce, Wawa’s public relations manager.
The quarter-mile hoagie feast, complimentary to all attendees, began with 2,640 hoagie rolls weighing in at 297 pounds. The rest of the recipe - 159 pounds of Italian ham, 159 pounds of Genoa salami, 352 pounds of sliced tomatoes, 158 pounds of shredded lettuce, eight pounds of oregano, 12 gallons of oil and a huge dash of salt and pepper — took 24 Wawa employees 4 hours to prepare.
“Hoagies are one of our signature products,” said Bruce, adding that Wawa will host a Hoagiefest promotion during the rest of July. “What’s most important, though, is giving back to the community.”
Kempsville resident Samuel Medina summed up Hoagiefest as he rapped to a Kara-hoagie song, called “Here Comes the Hoagie Man.”
“I love Wawa - it’s the only place to find fresh fruit, especially at 3 in the morning,” he said, clutching his tie-dye T-shirt.
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