Rizzo’s ‘Cook-Off for Cancer’ benefits kids

CHICAGO — There was handmade cavatelli and Roman-style pork paninis, a tuna tostada with chile-rubbed albacore and a lobster burrito. And chef David Burns was making a sandwich he called “The Rizzo Bomb” that featured Laurie Rizzo’s meatballs and marinara.

All the items were made in easy-to-eat sizes and were part of the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation’s fourth annual “Cook-Off for Cancer.” Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the Cubs first baseman’s foundation, which raises money for cancer research and to provide support to children and their families battling the disease.

Rizzo, 26, told his teammates to come hungry.

“I made sure [to tell them],” he said. “Most of the guys know — they’re all excited.”

The festive mood was helped by the Cubs’ 7-2 victory over the Dodgers earlier Thursday at Wrigley Field.

“Even if we lost, it’s good to come to these events,” Rizzo said. “What we raise money for is far bigger than anything we do in baseball.”

A few kids who are battling cancer and who have met Rizzo during his visits …

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