Article and photo submitted by Nicholas Gunn – special contributor to Moody on the Market
On a cool fall evening, the local Pizza Hut at 1940 M 139 in Benton Harbor became more than simply a pizza eatery. It became a focal point of community support and thanks for the heroic first responders who risk their lives every day. The fundraiser on October 11, 2023, was a touching event that made a lasting impression.
The fundraiser was an initiative to support local public safety, Lieutenant Blake Ertman, a local first responder for Benton Charter Township, shared his perspective on the event. He expressed, “We came out here for a fundraiser with Pizza Hut. It’s contribution is going back to the local first responders in the area. So we came out with a fire truck tonight, hung out with some of the kids, and showed the fire truck. We’ve got our dalmatian [named Chief] with us tonight and spent some time with the community. It’s an awesome place to work and a very rewarding community to work with, and we love to get out whenever possible.”
China Mims, the manager at Benton Harbor Pizza Hut, played a pivotal role in making this event a reality. She explained, “Today is basically about giving back to the firefighters. Each time somebody orders, 10% of our sales are going back to the fire department.
In addition to the sales contribution, the fundraiser included a raffle to raise extra funds for the department. Mims revealed, “We also did a raffle to bring in a little more money for them. We have gift cards and a TV as prizes, and we’re letting the firefighters draw the raffle winners.”
The community’s involvement and support were evident in every aspect of this event, showing that even small gestures can make a significant difference.
The strength of a close-knit community coming together to support its first responders is exemplified by Benton Harbor’s Pizza Hut fundraiser for public safety. Many children stopped to take photos with the firefighters and even climbed into the fire trucks to experience a piece of the excitement.
The night served as an inspiring example of community engagement and support, showcasing that a united community can make a positive difference in the lives of those who protect and serve.
