In one tearful breath, Kelly Giordano of Kiski Township said her husband is lucky to be alive, and that she feels fortunate to have such good friends.

Eric Giordano, a roofer, fell from a two-story home during a job in Pitcairn on March 20.

He broke his neck, spent weeks in intensive care and underwent multiple surgeries.

A group of 10 friends dubbed “the Kiski crew” organized a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Lower Burrell American Legion Post 868. Proceeds will help the family with expenses related to Giordano’s extensive injuries.

“We’re lucky that he’s up and walking,” said Kelly Giordano, a phys-ed teacher at Huston Middle School in the Burrell School District. “He has a long road ahead but the support has overwhelming.

“I want to thank the American Legion and everyone who came out and donated.”

Event co-organizer Colleen Witt said that the busy turnout at the Legion post along Wildlife Lodge Road was indicative of the love felt for the Giordanos.

“They are a phenomenal family,” Witt said. “They always do for others.”

On Saturday, hordes of people turned out to return the favor.

Spaghetti dinners, basket raffles, a 50/50 and a bake sale already drew hundreds of people by early afternoon. Witt said they planned enough pasta for 500 dinners but had to make a grocery run for fear they’d sell out long before day’s end.

Supporters donated items for 40 basket raffles, along with three large-ticket items that included a 55-inch Samsung TV.

Bonnie Crawford of Harrison said showing up was an easy decision.

“My sister is their neighbor. And when she told me about this, and that it’s for a local family, it was the easiest thing to do to come support them,” Crawford said.

Mandy Beck of Kiski and Pat Hurley of Lower Burrell sold raffle tickets and couldn’t keep up with the demand from those eager to help.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Hurley, who watched the Giordano’s children years ago at day care. “It’s giving me chills how people want to help.”

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