Slice 420 teams up with Rise As Lions to support mental health and addiction recovery
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a popular pizza joint is partnering with a local organization to help those struggling with mental health, addiction, or thoughts of suicide.
Slice 420 is now serving the “Recovery Rebels Pizza” and $1 from each pizza sold will go to the organization Rise As Lions, whose mission is to create “shame-free communities.” One way the organization does this is by building sober softball teams where team members are supported on their recovery journey by others who understand their challenges.
Rob Decker created Rise As Lions after his own struggle with mental health and addiction.
“When I got out on the other side of it, I wanted to show people that they can get out as well,” said Decker. His desire to help others has gained the attention of many, including other local businesses and even the City’s local soccer team.
Friday, May 17, Recovery Rebels has been invited to do the coin toss ahead of the Switchbacks match versus Rhode Island FC. The organization will also have a promotional video play during halftime of the game.
“We’ve developed an amazing relationship with them and they love what we do,” said Decker. Discounted tickets to the game can be purchased from Rise As Lion’s website above and a portion of the sale of those tickets will be donated back to the nonprofit.
Derrek Villagrana, now Director of Softball Operations for Recovery Rebels, said the organization saved his life. “Rob was one of the first people that hit me up when I got out of rehab. He was the first one to help me along in my recovery journey, and now I want to give that back and help other people on that journey.”
Another person who wants to help the cause is Christian Patriarca, Owner of Slice 420. He and Decker got together to create the “Recovery Rebel Pizza,” a pizza that packs a punch in flavor and purpose.
The pizza is topped with five different types of meat: Angus meatballs, chicken, bacon, local sausage, and pepperoni. The pizza is then topped with ricotta cheese, caramelized onions, and a brand-new cherry pepper marmalade. The pizza is now on the menu!
Another pizza on the menu, the Sofia Pie, will also raise funds for charity. Patriarca said each month they will choose a new organization to support, with proceeds from the pizza.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. The 988 suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, chat or text. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
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