CORAL SPRINGS, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — The Coral Springs‑Parkland Fire Department will organize their annual Cancer Awareness Pasta Dinner at Fire Station 80 (2825 Coral Springs Drive) on Saturday evening October 25 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For a donation of $8, attendees will be served pasta with homemade fire-house sauces, meatballs, bread and beverages. The collected funds benefit the Coral Springs Professional Firefighters Benevolent Association and local cancer-fighting organizations that support firefighters.
The event serves raises money and raises awareness while creating special moments for everyone involved. Sadly, the department is no stranger tragedy as they have lost two of their own to pancreatic cancer in recent years. In 2016, Paul “Pauly” Pietrafesa, a driver/engineer with 12 years of service, died at age 48 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Then, in 2022, firefighter/paramedic James “Nate” Leonard died after bravely fighting the disease for two years. Nate joined the department on April 9, 2007, and was just 43 when he passed away.
“Nate was a true public servant, he was brave in his duties as a firefighter and paramedic, but equally brave as he faced and fought cancer. While we are heartbroken by his death, our focus is on Nate’s family and providing them with the support and comfort they need as we prepare to lay, Nate, a true hero, to rest” said Michael McNally, Fire Chief, Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department, as reported by Boca Post.
Community members demonstrate their backing for both the dinner and the families who wear boots and helmets by their physical presence.
The evening shift at Fire Station 80 will have staff members who handle station work and welcome visitors while they share experiences with people from the local community. At a time when the job demands so much from them, this one night gives back to them.
Tickets are available online at coralsprings.gov/pastadinner and will also be available at the door. You should bring someone to attend with you when you visit and plan to arrive before the scheduled time. The station will be full of equipment and fire trucks while the community atmosphere creates a background noise of activity.
The fire station lobby will become a community space where people gather to honor their fallen heroes Paully and Nate while working to prevent future disasters.
When & Where
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Fire Station #80, 2825 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs, 33065
