The name Steve Balasco is well-known throughout Warren, not only due to the popular Market Street pizza shop that bears his name, but also because of his long history of giving back to the community through donations of time, food, and other resources to raise money for local causes.

So when news got around that Balasco had fallen ill with a particularly nasty case of COVID-19 that has left him recovering at Rhode Island Hospital on a ventilator battling pneumonia, friends and members of the community came out in droves to support him and donate to an online effort to provide money to help his family through the difficult situation.

“They’re like family to us. Everybody loves the Balascos,” said Amy Davok, one of the owners of the Market Street Pub and a good friend of the Balasco family, who started the online GoFundMe. “You need something, they’re there. You have a funeral that needs catered, they’re there. I don’t know how he does it.”

The fundraiser set a goal of $15,000, and as of Tuesday morning’s press time had reached over $16,000 in donations from over 200 donors.

Davok said that if donating online was not an option, donations could be dropped off in person at the Market Street Pub. Other ways to donate can be discussed with Amy directly by calling her at 401-368-5943.

Steve’s wife, Michaela, has been documenting her husband’s progress on Facebook. While some posts have reflected the grim fight that Steve has in front of him, a recent update on Monday shared some good news.

“Quick update. Many of the issues Steve has been having are improving,” she wrote. “His vent level is still very high but considering all the other issues he has been facing, it isn't a big surprise. Pray his body can start to help his lungs so they can start to back down on the vent. Today was better than the last few and we will take it. Continue the prayers! He has a long way to go but he's fighting!”

The GoFundMe link can be found here.