Buddy’s Pizza solidified its shape as Detroit’s original square pizza 66 years ago. But the family-owned pizzeria, with nine locations across the metropolitan Detroit area, has also made a name for itself in the business of giving back.

For the past 36 years Buddy’s Pizza has paired up with the Capuchin Soup Kitchen to help feed hungry people and support the agency’s other programs. On Monday, April 16, 2012, all Buddy’s locations will again host its annual Slice for Life charity event.

Owner Robert Jacobs noted that the partnership between Buddy’s Pizza and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen was driven entirely by Buddy’s employees. “It began as an effort to shine a spotlight on Capuchin Soup Kitchen and to assist those in need throughout the metro Detroit area,” said Jacobs. “Over the years Buddy’s Pizza has hosted its Slice for Life benefit, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen has expanded its services to the community.”

Since its start, the Slice for Life event has helped raise more than $2.5 million dollars to support the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. The agency tends to people’s basic needs—especially the need for food—but all its programs strive to stimulate minds, nourish spirits and address root causes of social injustice. Included in those programs are two sites that serve daily hot meals, a bakery where men learn a trade after leaving prison or a treatment program, a shower facility for people who lack opportunity to bathe elsewhere, a food pantry, a clothing center, a children’s tutoring and art therapy program, substance abuse treatment, and Earthworks (an organic urban farm). This year’s goal is $100,000.

“The annual Buddy’s Slice for Life day is eagerly anticipated by Capuchin Soup Kitchen staff and volunteers, and for many is their favorite fundraiser of the year,” said Br. Jerry Smith, executive director of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. “The financial benefits are obvious. Every year the event raises many thousands of dollars for the Soup Kitchen’s general fund, which enables us in turn to feed thousands of people and provide them an array of other services.

“The one-day ‘party’ spotlights our partnership with Buddy’s, but a lesser known fact is that every week of the year Buddy’s provides the Soup Kitchen with dozens of pizzas that are then included in the food packages distributed by our emergency food pantry. They are a special treat much enjoyed by the recipients.”

From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on April 16, pizza fans have a chance to support all of those initiatives. Slice for Life ticket holders may choose to dine in to enjoy all-you-can-eat two-topping pizzas and salad or carry out a 4-square two-topping pizza or a medium sized Antipasto, Greek or house salad. Buddy’s Pizza has locations in Detroit, Auburn Hills, Dearborn, Livonia, Warren, Farmington Hills, Grosse Pointe, and carry-out only locations in Bloomfield Hills and Royal Oak. Maps and locations can be found at www.buddyspizza.com.

Tickets, $15 for adults and $6 for children, may be purchased in advance by calling (313) 579-2100 ext. 170 or buy them at the door of any Buddy’s Pizza location on April 16. With every adult ticket purchased, patrons will receive a $3 off coupon for an 8 square pizza. All participants may also register to win one 8-square Buddy’s Pizza every month for one year.

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