The annual Alger County Communities That Care (AC3) fundraiser Pizza With A Purpose raised $20,466.50 this year to help with suicide prevention efforts in Alger County.

“Alger County is extraordinarily giving,” AC3 Treasurer Elise Bunce said. “It blows us away how giving they are.”

While still being one of the more successful fundraisers annually in Alger County, this year’s Pizza With A Purpose made about 10 percent less than last year’s event. However, organizers are still counting the event as a success since Pictured Rocks Pizza eventually ran out of sauce and other ingredients to keep serving the public. Since Pictured Rocks Pizza is a seasonal business, the company has used the fundraiser to deplete any extra food ordered while open.

AC3 praised Pictured Rocks Pizza staff and ownership for their seventh year of hosting the event, but new this year was increased volunteer efforts to help take orders and make the dishes.

Sales continued to be strong with local businesses. Small offices to some of the county’s largest employers will buy pizzas for staff lunch and dinners to benefit the fundraiser. While businesses often donate door prizes and raffle items, Pizza With A Purpose is unique in its ability to have businesses buy in to raise funds.

“I know of no other fundraisers that generated this level of support from our local businesses. This is awesome,” said Marjorie Moore, AC3 Secretary.

Suicide prevention efforts primarily fund the school social worker program, which offers counseling services to the five school organizations in the county.