PITTSIELD, Mass. — The first-ever pizza competition organized by parents and Scouts of Boy Scout Troop 8 netted the troop more than $1,600 and also earned the Girl Scout troop $452.

The event, held in the lower hall of St. Charles Borromeo Church on Saturday night, was a huge success, said Scoutmaster Bill Macfarlane.

During the first hour and a half, more than 300 people passed through the pizza tables to sample fare from 12 local pizzerias, each of which donated on average 15 pizzas during the course of the night. Tickets were $6 and $4, free for children younger than 12. In all, Baba Louie's, Domino's, Manny's, Zucco's, Papa Joe's, East Side, Papa Gino's, Tyler Street Pizza House, Vivaldi's, Hot Tomatoes and Frescoes contributed a total of 180 large pizzas for the event.

The attendees then had the opportunity to vote for their favorite pizza. While some chose to eat and run, 294 ballots were cast with all participating pizzerias recieving a fair share of the ballots. The top vote-getter, though, was Tyler Street Pizza House, followed by Baba Louie's and East Side Pizza. East Side, in addition to recieving the third-place trophy, was also issued a Scoutmaster's Trophy for its over-the-top contribution of 27 pizzas.

Most of the Scouts and many of their parents participated and were needed. Some spent the night driving to the pizzerias to pick up new supplies. Others worked the tables with gloved hands, handing out pizza slices, soft drinks, salads and cookies.

St. Charles donated use of the space and Ice River Spring the water bottles, B&G Restaurant Supply loaned the troop a large pizza warmer and local radio host Larry Kratka donated his time as DJ for the night.

Troop 8 is based at St. Mark's School and consists of some 45 local boys. The money raised is needed to replace worn camping supplies and to offset costs for monthly campouts, annual summer camp and an annual trip. This year, a trip is planned for Cleveland to visit the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame and attend a Cleveland Indians game, among other things.

"Words can't express our gratitude to the parents, Scouts, St. Charles, B&G, Ice River Springs and the pizzerias for the generous contributions of time, talent and treasure," said Macfarlane.

Girl Scout representative Mary Whitaker said some 113 boxes of Girl Scout cookies were sold by herself and her daughter, Claire, during the evening.

A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 6, to critique the event and determine its future.