Dinner buys Lancers uniforms

AUBURN - Dick Gagliardi thought he was just bringing his grandsons into Paul Saltarello's barber shop for haircuts. But the two men began discussing Gagliardi's beloved Purple Lancers drum and bugle corps, and an idea was born. Gagliardi was looking for help raising money to purchase $24,000 in uniforms for the Lancers, a legendary Auburn institution that had recently been brought back after 34 years. He decided to ask Saltarello for help with a fundraising dinner.

"Without any hesitation, he said he'd be more than happy to put it together," Gagliardi said.

When there's a meal to be cooked for a good cause, people know to call Saltarello and Tony Lupo, the chefs behind the "Italian Cucina Crew." The two cooks and about 17 assistants will turn out in force to bake, boil, fry, stir, peel, slice and serve a generous meal, all for charity.