SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN —Michigan Pizza Hut has renewed its commitment to supporting Girls on the Run of Southwest Michigan, a physical activity-based positive youth development program for girls in third through eighth grade. Throughout their 10-week program, girls develop their confidence, learn about building healthy relationships and participate in a community service project while becoming physically and emotionally prepared to complete a 5K, according to organizers.

In support of the ongoing programmatic needs and celebratory final event, Michigan Pizza Hut will be hosting a give-back night on May 7 at 10 of their southwest Michigan locations. They have committed to donating 10 percent of proceeds that day directly to Girls on the Run southwest Michigan, serving youth in in Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties.

“Pizza Hut is once again proud to sponsor Girls on the Run. It is a wonderful organization that inspires and celebrates the lives of young girls. We are happy to support such a great cause,” said Bryan Joseph of Michigan Pizza Hut.

“We are so excited to be working with Michigan Pizza Hut again this year. Their engagement is crucial to our success. Their generous give-back nights throughout our community are invaluable for both the support of our programs and our 5Ks and for reaching new girls and their families who would benefit from involvement in Girls on the Run. We couldn’t offer our community what we are able to without support from donors like Michigan Pizza Hut,” said Tess Carragher, executive director for Girls on the Run Southwest Michigan.

Participating Michigan Pizza Hut locations include restaurants in Berrien Springs, Buchanan, Coloma, Dowagiac, Niles, St. Joseph, South Haven, Stevensville, Sturgis and Three Rivers. 

Girls on the Run of Southwest Michigan impacts the lives of nearly 800 girls in Berrien, Cass, Van Buren and St. Joseph counties each year, said organizers. Through the help of sponsors like Michigan Pizza Hut and individual donors, scholarships are provided to 62 percent of program participants. With the help of Michigan Pizza Hut, Girls on the Run of Southwest Michigan looks forward to continuing to grow and inspire more girls to be joyful, healthy and confident, organizers added.

Beyond the give-back nights hosted by 10 Michigan Pizza Hut locations on May 7, Michigan Pizza Hut will also provide concessions at both 5K events hosted by Girls on the Run Southwest Michigan. Look for their trailer at the Berrien County Girls on the Run 5K on May 16 at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds, and the Van Buren, Cass and St. Joseph County Girls on the Run 5K on May 31st at Decatur High School.