Spaz takes to the airwaves in Shrewsbury for good cause
By Melissa Muntz Community Reporter

Jay Putelis, left, gives a donation to Anthony "Spaz" Parziale along Route 9 in Shrewsbury during radio station WAAF's Walk and Rock for Change Nov. 14. Parziale walked from Worcester to Boston for three days to help raise money for several area food banks, including the Worcester County Food Bank in Shrewsbury. PHOTO/MELISSA MUNTZ

Shrewsbury - In an effort to raise money and awareness about hunger in Massachusetts, radio station WAAF's Anthony "Spaz" Parziale took his show on the road - literally.

Parziale, who appears in the Hill-Man Morning Show, walked from Worcester to Boston along Route 9 as part of the radio station's "Walk and Rock for Change," a three-day fund-raiser.

Followed by a WAAF vehicle and pushing a stroller carrying thousands of dollars in donations from listeners, Parziale said, the 45-mile walk is a little tough on the body, but is great for the spirit.

"There are a lot of families in the area that need a little extra help, especially during the holidays, and it's great to be able to help put food on someone's table," Parziale said during a live broadcast at JJ's Sports Bar and Grill in Shrewsbury Nov. 15.

WAAF expects the Walk and Rock for Change to raise more than $100,000, all of which will be donated to area food banks, including the Worcester County Food Bank in Shrewsbury.

Although Parziale is the one making the hike, he credits the success of the walk to his audience. Donations range from thousand of dollars from area businesses to the spare change someone has in a pocket. Parziale said the size of the donation doesn't matter nearly as much as the spirit behind it.

"Our listeners step up all the time," he said. "They're always there to help anytime we have a charitable event going on."

Every dollar raised in the Walk and Rock for Change will be able to provide four meals to people in need.

WAAF has hosted this event for 15 years, and this was Parziale's fourth time volunteering to walk. Spaz said he expects to continue volunteering for the event, which takes place the week before Thanksgiving.