Giovanni Gironda Memorial Scholarship

We established this scholarship as a way to carry on his passion for life, education and all things culinary and gardening. Essentially, besides his love for his family/friends, my fathers greatest passion and joy came from cultivating great meals and working in his incredible gardens in his backyard. He loved to cook, cooking was not only his livelihood, he started Vito’s pizzeria in 1980 with his brothers, cooking was also his love. When he wasn’t in the kitchen at work, he was in his kitchen at home, preparing the best Italian meals you could dream of.

And above all, his greatest fulfillment from cooking was to share his food/creations with others. Every Sunday he’d invite family/friends over to his house, everyone gathered around his dining table, for a huge feast of pasta, meat, wine , bread, cheese and more, All of which he made himself, even the wine.

Creating a Scholarship at Sandhills Community College in Giovanni’s name was a small gesture meant to continue on my fathers passion and desire for sharing with others. He loved this community, this community gave so much to him and his family, more than we could ever know, it’s very important and meaningful for us to continue giving back.