By Samantha Meyer
Beacon Correspondent
Pizza with a Purpose returns for its ninth year this week, uniting the community through a two-day fundraiser to support mental health and suicide prevention for Alger County youth.
Pizza with a Purpose will take place from noon to 8 p.m. this Thursday and from noon to 7 p.m. on Friday at Pictured Rocks Pizza, 106 Birch St. A limited menu will be offered, with 12-inch wood-fired pizza or a pasta dish, each $12 with two toppings. Additional toppings are $2 each. Supplies are limited and may sell out before the end of the day on Friday.
The event is a collaboration between Pictured Rocks Pizza and Alger County Communities That Care, known as AC3.
AC3 is a community coalition dedicated to building a safe, healthy and prosperous environment for local youth. Formed through the combined efforts of involved community members, AC3 strives to reduce the risk factors while strengthening support for local youth.
The coalition focuses on prevention and education surrounding suicide, youth substance abuse, underage drinking and other related risk behaviors. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support suicide prevention efforts in Alger County that include “community and school trainings and presentations, guest speakers, programming and QPR training, to name a few,” said Michelle McDonald, coordinator of AC3.
The effort centers on encouraging open, everyday discussions about suicide and mental health, helping to make these topics part of a healthy dialogue while overcoming the stigma that often surrounds them. It also provides education on starting and encouraging conversations about depression — helping individuals feel more comfortable seeking and accepting help.
“We want to make sure that children in this area have the opportunity to reach out and speak to someone if they’re having problems with depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts, to prevent losing our future community members,” McDonald said.
Since the fundraiser’s beginning, Pictured Rocks Pizza has been vital to the success of the event. In the past eight years, Pizza with a Purpose has generated more than $80,000 to support Alger County youth through prevention programs, school-based resources and community education.
Pictured Rocks Pizza opened its doors in 2016, after transforming a former home into a locally owned business known for its wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta. Since then, the owners have continued to support the community education of mental health and suicide prevention. Pictured Rocks Pizza hosts the annual event with a personal connection to the cause through co-owner Kim Cromell.
“With my dad’s passing from suicide, and mental illness is everywhere, we as a whole just wanted to give back and try to create programs, or get money for programs, for the schools,” Cromell said.
To support the fundraiser, Pictured Rocks Pizza covers the cost of the supplies and pays its employees out of pocket. The business does not charge AC3 to host the event.
“We pay our employees. We don’t take anything from it,” Cromell said. “We don’t charge anything.”
Local businesses are encouraged to place large orders in advance by calling McDonald at 906-202-2244. Payment is cash or check only, with checks made payable to Alger CTC. For those unable to attend but wishing to contribute, donations may be mailed to Alger CTC, P.O. Box 23, Munising, MI 49862.