The annual Pizza with a Purpose fundraiser took place on Oct. 4 and 5. The event, a partnership between Alger County Communities that Care (AC3) and Pictured Rocks Pizza, raises funds for suicide prevention activities in Alger County schools.

Michele Culp-McDonald, coordinator of AC3, said, “Our goal with any fundraiser is to have a purpose with the funds, and Pizza with a Purpose is twofold. The goal is to make Alger County aware of depression and that it can lead to suicide if left untreated, and that as a community we can make a greater impact supporting each other.”

The original purpose of the initiative was to raise money for Alger County’s schools to help with their mental health workers and programs and to increase community awareness of the importance of mental and physical health.

Munising Public Schools now has three mental health workers. Melissa Carlson works full time as a therapist mainly for grades 6-12. Rachel Harmon works at the elementary school Monday through Thursday and spends her Fridays at the high school. Jessica Lukasik works part time at Munising Middle/High School.