By Alexander Bullock

It is the biggest Sunday of the year for football fans. Families across America are gathering to watch the Seattle Seahawks battle the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX. While millions focus on the touchdowns and halftime shows, a dedicated group in Huntington County has a different goal in mind. They are turning the nation’s favorite game day meal into a lifeline for children in crisis.

Volunteers spent the weekend rolling dough and spreading sauce for the McKenzie’s Hope Super Bowl Pizza Sale. This annual fundraiser does more than fill stomachs. It fuels a critical mission to support local children who have survived abuse and neglect.

A Slice of Hope for Huntington

The kitchen at the local prep site was buzzing with energy on Saturday. Officers from the Huntington County Police Department stood shoulder to shoulder with students from Huntington North High School. They worked in an assembly line to prepare hundreds of pizzas for hungry football fans.

The atmosphere was festive but the cause was serious. Each pepperoni or cheese pizza sold puts money directly into the operating budget of McKenzie’s Hope. This organization is the official Child Advocacy Center for Huntington County.

The fundraiser has become a community staple. Residents pre-order their meals knowing that their Super Bowl party food is making a real difference. The volunteers packed the pizzas with care to ensure they were ready for the 6:30 p.m. kickoff at Levi’s Stadium.

Rising Demand for Critical Services

The need for these funds is higher than ever before. Katie Schilling, the Executive Director of McKenzie’s Hope, revealed a stark reality about child welfare in the region.

“Since we’ve opened, we have served over 2,200 children and their families. Last year alone, we saw a 60% increase in children coming to our center,” Schilling said.

This sharp rise in cases means more resources are required immediately. McKenzie’s Hope provides a safe and neutral place for children ages 3 to 18. Their primary service is the forensic interview.

In the past, a child victim might have to tell their traumatic story multiple times to police, social workers, and lawyers. This often caused more pain. At McKenzie’s Hope, a child speaks to a specially trained forensic interviewer just once. The conversation happens in a friendly room while law enforcement and the Department of Child Services watch from a separate area. This process reduces trauma and helps investigators get the truth.

Community Steps Up on Game Day

Super Bowl Sunday is famous for food consumption. Statistics show that Americans eat millions of pounds of cheese and order countless pizzas during the game. It is the second-highest food consumption day of the year after Thanksgiving.

McKenzie’s Hope taps into this national trend to solve a local problem. The money raised helps cover the costs of interviews, family advocacy, and prevention education.

Why This Fundraiser Matters:

• Direct Impact: 100% of proceeds stay local to help Huntington area kids.
• Awareness: It reminds the community that child abuse creates silent victims who need a voice.
• Unity: It brings law enforcement and youth together for a positive cause.

The partnership with the police department is especially meaningful. Officers who often see the worst situations are able to contribute to the healing process.

Beyond the Big Game

The work of McKenzie’s Hope continues long after the Super Bowl champion is crowned. The center opened its doors in January 2006. It was founded after the tragic deaths of two local children, MicKenzie Brown and Justin McKinzie. The community vowed to create a better system to protect its youth.

Today the center serves not just Huntington County but also the surrounding areas. They offer support services that help non-offending family members navigate the legal system and find mental health resources.

The pizza sale is a major boost, but the fight against child abuse is a year-round battle. The organization constantly seeks donations and volunteers to maintain their facility and expand their reach.

In a world where news is often heavy, this effort shows the power of community. A simple pizza on a football Sunday is helping restore safety and dignity to the most vulnerable children in Indiana.

If you want to support this mission or learn more about their work, you can visit their official website at mckenzieshope.org.