Mar 6, 2017 By Dave Zuchowski For The Almanac Writer@thealmanac.Net 3 min read

Emily Kiswardy never showed much interest in running. All that changed through her husband, Matt, an avid runner whose fervor seems to have been catchy.

“Matt encouraged me to get started, and I began by running on the back roads of my neighborhood in Scott,” the 29-year-old said. “Gradually I began gaining strength and endurance.”

It was enough to get her registered in the Pittsburgh Marathon last May. In her first ever outing she completed the event in under 4 hours, enough to satisfy her goal of “simply finishing.”

Almost as an afterthought, when she registered for the marathon, she noticed an option that allowed her to commit to fundraising. A third-grade teacher at the Bower Hill Elementary School in Peters, she chose to support Children’s Hospital and managed to raise close to $1,000 through the generosity of friends and family.

Shortly before Kiswardy signed up for the 2017 Pittsburgh Marathon last September, she received some bad news. Her aunt, Marita “Marty” Bon, was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time.

When she heard the news, she chose the Susan G. Komen Foundation as her charity because the non-profit is regarded as the most widely known, largest and best-funded breast cancer organization in the United States.

“This year, I wanted to make the fundraiser a lot more fun and scheduled a ‘Breakfast and a Movie’ event to be held at the Hollywood Theater in Dormont,” she said.

For $20, the public can enjoy a breakfast buffet of eggs, bacon, sausage, yogurt parfait and coffee, then watch a screening of “Groundhog Day.” Kiswardy chose the feel-good comedy starring Bill Murray because her aunt, who died in January, was an optimist and remained positive even after her diagnosis.

Frank Tokach, a local chef, and Kiswardy’s husband, a former caterer, will prepare the food.

The doors to the theater open at 10:15 a.m. on March 18, with breakfast starting at 10:30 a.m. Patrons can help themselves to the buffet, set up on stage, then move to their seats which have arm rests and cup holders for easier dining. Advance ticket reservations must be made online by March 15 at groundhogmovie.eventbrite.com.

Local businesses are also donating to the cause. Starbucks is providing the coffee as well as tumblers, more coffee and thermoses for the raffle planned at the event. Peace, Love and Little Donuts is donating baked goods, and Dor-Stop, a restaurant across the street from the theater, is donating a gift certificate.

The Kiswardys are paying out of pocket for the theater rental, provided by management at a non-profit cost, the purchase of the DVD and film royalties as well as the food.

“I want to affirm that 100 percent of the proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Susan G. Komen,” Kiswardy said.

The family will honor Kiswardy’s aunt at a memorial service March 11.

“This January, my aunt lost her battle with cancer,” Kiswardy said. “She fought courageously, and, amidst it all, stayed positive. Her love of life, selfless compassion towards others and vibrant spirit will always be remembered by those who were lucky enough to know her.”