Pizza with a Purpose Marks 10 Years

What began as a community effort to raise awareness about suicide prevention in Alger County is returning for a milestone 10th year.

Pizza with a Purpose returns Oct. 8 and 9 at Pictured Rocks Pizza in Munising. The annual event, held in partnership with Alger County Communities That Care, also known as AC3, raises funds to support suicide prevention and mental health initiatives in the community.

A limited menu will be available during the two-day fundraiser, similar to previous years. The event is cash or check only.

For Michele McDonald, coordinator for AC3, the 10th year is an important milestone, but it is also a reminder that conversations surrounding mental health and suicide prevention need to continue. 

“The reality is that we all know that things don’t change,” McDonald said. “You can’t just send a message out there once. You have to keep doing it.”

The importance of continued prevention is also reflected in local youth data. McDonald said depression and anxiety are among the risk factors identified through the youth survey used by AC3, with the organization working to reduce those risks by strengthening protective factors for young people. 

McDonald also said that Alger County had two deaths by suicide last year that she is aware of.

“We hope to make sure that people will get help, that they’ll try to get counseling,” McDonald said. 

This year’s fundraising efforts have the potential to make an even greater impact. McDonald said an anonymous donor, working through the community foundation, will match funds raised up to $50,000. The same donor provided matching funds last year as part of a two-year commitment. 

Funds raised through Pizza with a Purpose will support prevention efforts in the community. One area McDonald hopes to continue expanding is access to suicide prevention education, including Question, Persuade, Refer, or QPR. The training teaches participants to recognize warning signs and how to approach someone they believe may be struggling.

She also emphasized the importance of reaching people before they are in an immediate crisis. 

“You want to get help before you’re at such a low period where you don’t think that there’s anybody,” McDonald said. “And we all know, no matter how low you are, there’s always somebody out there that’s going to help you if you ask them.” 

Pictured Rocks Pizza also covers the cost of supplies, pays its employees and provides the space for the event at no cost to AC3, allowing proceeds from the fundraiser to go directly to the organization. 

For Pictured Rocks Pizza co-owner Kim Cromell, supporting the event also has a personal meaning. Cromell lost her father to suicide in 2008.

“This town meant the whole world to him,” Cromell said.

Cromell said her father had been dealing with struggles that were not necessarily visible to those around him.

“Everyone thought he had this perfect life. From the outside, he did, you know, but on the inside, he didn’t,” Cromell said. “And it’s so easy for us to look at people and think, ‘Oh, God, they have such a good life.’”

Cromell said those experiences are part of why supporting mental health and suicide prevention efforts remain important to her.

Those interested in volunteering for Pizza with a Purpose can contact McDonald at the AC3 office at 906-202-2244.