In Eden Prairie, community engagement and pizza, it turns out, make for a strong pairing when it comes to supporting law enforcement families who have suffered loss. On May 22, a select squad of local businesses banded together for "Drive-Thru Difference Day," supporting the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association (LEMA), Eden Prairie Police Department (EPPD) reported.
The collaboration, featuring Bernatello’s Foods, Star Bank, Fat Pants Brewing Co., and the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, took advantage of a simple yet effective fundraiser method: selling pizzas out of a bank parking lot for a day. The suggested donation? $10 a pie. EPPD officers joined the effort, interactively engaging with the community and showcasing department tech like drones. "In total, $3,000 was raised for LEMA at the event," according to the Eden Prairie Police Department's announcement.
Yesterday marked the moment of charity, as representatives from Star Bank and Bernatello's Foods handed over the proceeds—which summed up to $3,000—to the EPPD's Sgt. Tom Lowery and Lt. Rob Johnston, were there to receive the check on behalf of the LEMA. The photo capturing the charitable exchange featured Jay Whitcomb of Star Bank; Sgt. Tom Lowery; Matt Selvig of Bernatello's Foods; and Lt. Rob Johnston, offering a snapshot of the community's unity.
Expressing their gratitude, the EPPD released a statement extending thanks to everyone involved—from the sponsoring entities to those who bought pizzas—underscoring the impact of local support towards valuable causes. This fundraiser's success is a reflection of the solidarity within the Eden Prairie community, which consistently shows up for its members in times of need.
