Pizza and the Power of Partnership

“I know what it’s like to grow up poor, and I want kids who can’t afford it to have pizza!” With this brief explanation, Anthony DeSousa asked if Crossroads Ministry could make arrangements for Antonio’s Pizza to provide fresh, hot New York style pizzas free for local families in need.

About twice per month, Crossroads clients have the opportunity to register to pick up free hot pizza at Crossroads. Since our initial distribution in Fall 2016, dozens of families have received a large made-to-order pizza, each with a retail value of about $25.

Antonio’s Real New York Pizza also has provided hundreds of loaves of fresh-made bread, sometimes prepared for special events like Crossroads Ministry’s annual Thanksgiving food distribution, and other times simply because making fresh bread is a delicious way to make use of surplus dough that might otherwise go to waste.

When sharing the story of Anthony’s generosity with the Executive Director of another Estes Valley nonprofit that assists households in crisis, we discovered that he quietly shares pizzas with others in need, as well.

Anthony later explained in more detail his passion for helping children and families in our community:

When I was young, … my brothers and I would make toast with mayonnaise as it was the only thing in the fridge. I remember the government cheese and searching every cabinet repeatedly thinking something would appear. Mom and Dad were both on methadone until they died.

Quietly, consistently, generously, and gladly, this small business owner touches the most vulnerable members of our community in a special way. He uses his talents, interests, and business resources to make an important difference, for no other reason than to unselfishly make life a little better and brighter for others.

After the first distribution of fresh pizzas here, we excitedly told Anthony, “You should see the joy on the faces of the families that stop by Crossroads on pizza nights to pick up their large, hot pizza for a special family night!”

Anthony’s characteristically humbly reply: “I hope my ancestors are smiling.”

In addition to expressing our appreciation to Antonio’s Pizza, we congratulate Anthony DeSousa for receiving the “Business Philanthropist of the Year” Award as part of National Philanthropy Day in the Estes Valley in November 2016.

Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.

—from Luke 3:11 (NIV)