Thousands of Chicago Pizzas En Route to Iraq

Retired Air Force Sgt. and Elk Grove resident, Mark Evans is throwing a giant Fourth of July pizza party for US troops in Iraq. Evans has arranged for 3,000 frozen, packed-in-ice Lou Malnati's pizzas (offered at a patriotic discount) to be shipped DHL-style to Iraq in time for the holiday. His 16 year-old son came up with the idea and is calling it "Pizza 4 Patriots." We agree that it's a great one but why stop there? To complete the holiday celebration we'd like to ask local companies to volunteer to ship the following Fourth of July party necessities:

• Red, white and blue Liberty Bell mylar balloons
• Benjamin Franklin sheet cake
• Cold Bud Light Lime beer in frosty mugs
• Watermelons carved into the shape of an eagle
• Slip N' Slide
• Angry "Grill Dad" to lecture about firework safety and proper grilling procedures.

Hmm...ok. Maybe pizza is just fine... [Trib]