Several Eden Prairie organizations are cooperating to host a pizza fundraiser for the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association (LEMA). Drive-Thru Difference Day will occur on Wednesday, May 22, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Eden Prairie’s Star Bank.
A Bernatello’s Brew Pub Pizza Lotzza Motzza trailer will be in the bank’s parking lot during the event, baking the pizzas on-site. People can pre-order online for a designated pickup time of cheese, sausage, pepperoni, or meat combination pizzas. Walk-up orders during the event are also welcome. The suggested donation is $10 per pizza, with 100% of the proceeds going to LEMA.
The event is co-sponsored by the Eden Prairie Police Department, Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, Star Bank and Bernatello’s. The Eden Prairie Police Department will have vehicles on hand for tours, and each pizza purchase will also constitute an entry into a prize drawing sponsored by Fat Pants Brewing Company.
Special support in a ‘trying year’
The Drive-Thru Difference Day concept, according to Matt Selvig, advertising and promotions manager of Bernatello’s Foods, grew out of a COVID-19 pandemic-era adjustment to Bernatello’s Pizza with police events. Before the pandemic, Bernatello’s held two such events in Edina, which included in-person gatherings for eating pizza while visiting with police officers.
“Then we sort of adjusted the event to make it more of a drive-up style where customers sign up for a time, then swing on in, snag their freshly baked pizza and then get on their way,” Selvig said. “This event will be a mix of both Drive-Thru Difference and Pizza with Police as we’re opening much of the day up to the public as well to come and spend time with us at Star Bank.”
Jay Whitcomb, assistant vice president/lender at Star Bank, says that lawn games will be set up. “We are hoping that this will be a fun, casual event for folks to get to know other members of the community all while supporting a worthy cause. There will be plenty of seating to relax and enjoy the pizza. Beverages, plates and napkins will be available,” Whitcomb said.
The Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce spearheaded bringing Drive-Thru Difference Day to Eden Prairie, where Star Bank hosted a previous event in 2022. Bernatello’s, says Selvig, has had a long partnership with LEMA, which provides immediate and ongoing support to family members and law enforcement agencies after a law enforcement officer’s line of duty death.
“We love their mission and what they stand for. It’s been a trying year for Minnesota law enforcement officers, so this year will be extra special to give them more financial support to help local families in need,” Selvig said.
He added that the event honors National Police Week, which occurs May 15-21. “This is a small way we can support our officers while enjoying a delicious pizza. It’s a win win!” Selvig said.
Whitcomb added, “We welcome anyone that loves pizza and Eden Prairie to stop in and enjoy the day.”
Star Bank is located at 250 Prairie Center Drive, Eden Prairie, in the outer ring of the parking lot surrounding the Eden Prairie Center mall.
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