(COLORADO SPRINGS) — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the popular pizza joint is partnering with local organizations to help those struggling with mental health, addiction and suicidal thoughts.
Slice 420 is now offering “Recovery Rebels Pizza,” where $1 from every pizza sold will be donated to Rise as Lions, an organization whose mission is to create “communities without shame.” . One way organizations accomplish this is by building low-key softball teams, where team members are supported in their recovery journey by others who understand the challenges.
Rob Decker founded Rise as Lions after his own struggles with mental health and addiction.
“When I came out the other side, I wanted to show people that they could come out the same way,” Decker said. His desire to help others has attracted the attention of many people, including other local businesses and the city’s local soccer team.
On Friday, May 17th, the Recovery Rebels were invited to perform a coin toss prior to the Switchbacks vs. Rhode Island FC game. A promotional video will also be shown during halftime of the game.
“We have a great relationship with them and they love what we do,” Decker said. Discounted tickets for the game can be purchased from his Rise As Lion website above, and a portion of ticket sales will be donated to the nonprofit organization.
Derek Villagrana, now the Recovery Rebels’ director of softball operations, said the organization saved his life. “Rob was one of the first people to talk to me when I came out of rehab. He was the first person to help me on my recovery journey, and now I… I want to give back and help others on their journey.”
Another person who wants to support this cause is Christian Patriarca, owner of Slice 420. He and Decker teamed up to create Recovery Level Pizza, a pizza that packs a punch of flavor and purpose.
The pizza is topped with five different meats: Angus meatballs, chicken, bacon, local sausage, and pepperoni. The pizza is topped with ricotta cheese, caramelized onions, and a new cherry pepper marmalade. Pizza is now on the menu!
Another pizza on the menu, Sophia Pie, also raises money for charity. Patriarca said she uses the pizza proceeds to select a new charity each month.
If you or someone you know is in trouble or in crisis, help is available. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by phone, chat, or text. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
