An autistic boy’s skill in pizza-making has paid off in a doughy donation of over $2,500 to Autism Ontario.

Anthony Scalla, 13 –year old Autistic boy from Toronto, learned the secret of making pizza from his grandmother, Susie Scala. 

When Anthony used his Instagram account to demonstrate his pizza-making skills for the world to see, it caught the attention of Tony Cataldi, owner of Cataldi’s Fresh Market, who suggested having Anthony’s culinary skills as the basis of a fund- raising event. “I met with Tony Cataldi,” explains Anthony. “He said that he saw my videos and he liked them, and he gave me the opportunity.”

“He really loves to cook,” proudly says his mom, Stella Tozzo. “He cooks every day on his own.  He made hot dogs today and frittata pasta. He makes pasta once a week for his brothers.”

Originally, Tony Cataldi had thought that the event would be a fundraiser to pay for Anthony’s therapy, which the family was paying for privately. Instead, Stella saw the opportunity to turn the event into a fundraiser for Autism Ontario and pay it forward. “We said we’d like to donate the money to Autism Ontario. We've been blessed. Anthony is very high functioning. He's had a lot of therapy, a lot of private therapy, and so we wanted to pay forward. We know there's a lot of families on that wait list.”

The event succeeded beyond Stella and Anthony’s expectations, raising $2,559.72. The store was crowded during the busy lunch hour with friends, neighbours, and customers, eager to sample Anthony’s pizza margherita. Autism Ontario representatives were also on hand to participate and to thank Stella and Anthony.

“We’re very grateful for what Anthony, Stella, and everyone at Cataldi Fresh Markets have done,” said Jane Silva, Chief of Strategic Initiatives at Autism Ontario. “The funds they’ve raised will have a very real impact. They help fund events, essential programs, advocacy efforts, and resources that create meaningful change in the autism community.”

Based on the success of the event, Stella, Tony, and Anthony want to make Anthony’s pizza day an annual event.

The news media also attended the event, with OMNI TV News providing welcome coverage, interviewing Stella and Anthony. “Well, it felt pretty nice to be famous,” said Anthony shyly, reflecting on the fame that has come his way.

Stella and Anthony are pleased that the funds they’ve raised will go to where they’re needed the most. “Early intervention is key,” says Stella. “It really is key.” She says some parents she’s spoken with have been hesitant about having their child diagnosed over concerns of being labelled. Stella, however, is philosophical. “The truth is, your kids are already being labeled at school, so you may as well just get a proper diagnosis and get them the help they need. It's necessary.”