PEZ Candy Inc. president and CEO Joseph Vittoria prepares to take on a ride on the company’s custom-themed chopper, made by the famed Orange County Chopper crew. Vittoria’s nephew, John Schiaroli, of Wilton, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2000. PEZ Candy Inc. will be showing off their custom chopper at the MS Taste of Hope, Fairfield County, on Thursday, Sept. 30, at the Aitoro kitchen showroom in Norwalk
A whimsical childhood collectible filled with colorful bits of candy confections has also become a driving force dispensing hope and support to those whose illness can’t be sugar-coated. PEZ Candy Inc. president and CEO Joseph Vittoria heads up a company that is renowned for bringing joy to candy lovers throughout the world but, a decade ago, he was forced to deal with the sobering news that a family member living with an incurable disease.
In late 1999, Vittoria’s nephew John Schiaroli, of Wilton, came back from a ski trip feeling a tingling sensation in his right foot that went up his leg accompanied by intense lower back pain. Two months later, Schiaroli was diagnosed with MS.
“You absolutely hate to hear that someone you care about has been diagnosed with a chronic illness and that his or her life is going to change,” shared Vittoria. “It’s one of those moments that you wish would never happen but after it does you lend as much support as possible.”
Vittoria had met and made friends with people living with MS throughout his career but it wasn’t until Schiaroli’s diagnosis that he understood the impact the disease can have on someone. He has since made it a priority to support several youth and family related charities including the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter whenever he can, including frequently participating in its annual Walk MS event.
That’s also the reason why Orange-based PEZ Candy Inc. will be on hand for this year’s MS Taste of Hope, Fairfield County with one of their most unique and eye-catching displays – a custom-built PEZ chopper constructed by the famed Orange County Chopper crew.
PEZ Candy Inc. was first marketed as a compressed peppermint candy more than eight decades ago in Austria and has since become a cultural phenomenon, as the company estimates that more than three billion PEZ candies are consumed annually in the United States alone.
Even with its legion of fans, many of whom collect PEZ dispensers, Vittoria wanted to appeal to a broader audience of possible new PEZ fanatics and he reached out to Orange Country Chopper to create the custom PEZ chopper.
“I had an idea that we needed to do something to engage our customers and appeal to a broader audience,” explained Vittoria, a New Canaan resident. “We wanted to grab people’s attention and when they see that chopper drive through, it definitely captures their attention.”
The custom chopper features a unique PEZ-themed paint job and accessories including a place for PEZ dispensers to ride along.
“We really had no idea how much people would like the PEZ Chopper, we thought it would appeal to kids and teenagers,” admitted Vittoria. “But when we take it out, we get a great response from everyone, especially adults. We’re really looking forward to displaying it at the MS Taste of Hope event.”
The MS Taste of Hope, Fairfield County, takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30, at the Aitoro kitchen showroom in Norwalk. Guests can take part in a silent auction, will take home a bagful of great gifts and be treated to fine cuisine and wine from Fairfield County’s top restaurants.
Schiaroli spoke at last year’s event as a guest speaker and he is “thrilled” that Vittoria and PEZ Candy will be at this year’s tasting.
“There’s no question that I’m honored my uncle would get involved to help raise awareness about my disease and about the event,” he said. “It’s certainly a great event and I had a wonderful time last year. I’m hopeful that we can get even more people to come out this year to enjoy it.”
Earlier this month, Schiaroli completed something he once thought unimaginable – his first triathlon. An avid cyclist who has participated in Bike MS events, Schiaroli said he is “fortunate” that he has been able to control his MS symptoms.
“My lifestyle has changed dramatically since I was diagnosed as I’ve worked hard to try to exercise and stay healthy,” he shared. “I know that I’ve been extremely lucky with my symptoms and I look at it as an opportunity to inspire others and make a difference.”
Schiaroli’s zeal for life has clearly inspired Vittoria, who has seen how rapidly MS can change someone’s lifestyle for the worse.
“I know someone with MS who has been severely handicapped by the disease and has to use a wheelchair to get around,” said Vittoria. “When that diagnosis came, we didn’t know how John would respond but he has never used it as an excuse. Instead, he’s used the disease as motivation and it’s amazing to see him in action.”
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Schiaroli, are affected by multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and, as a result, there is currently no cure for MS. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.
In 2009, the MS Taste of Hope, Fairfield County attracted 130 guests and raised $15,080. Funds raised by the Connecticut Chapter through events, such as MS Taste of Hope, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure, as well as to provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state living with multiple sclerosis.
For Vittoria, the event is an opportunity to help raise awareness about multiple sclerosis and hope for the future.
“When John was diagnosed, it made me think about the younger generation and how vibrant and alive they are,” he described. “John greatly benefitted from being diagnosed early and my hope is that the medical community can continue to diagnose MS earlier for better treatments and, eventually, find a cure.”
Tickets for the MS Taste of Hope, Fairfield County are $50 in advance and $65 at the door. The New 96.7 The Coast is the media sponsor for the event. For more information about the event, please contact Carrie Levitt at 860-913-2550, ext. 332, or e-mail at clevitt@ctfightsMS.org. To learn more about the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org.
