This weekend the Pella Pizza Ranch is holding an event in memory of a Pella Teen. Blake Van Vark died in a car crash almost two weeks ago during icy conditions. Shortly before his death Blake had committed to join Baja 101, a Mission to build homes in Mexico with the Third Reformed Church. To honor his wishes, on Saturday the Pella Pizza Ranch will be holding an all day fundraising event. From open to close Saturday Pizza Ranch will donate all profits from both in store, and delivery sales to the Baja mission. Additionally each of the employees at the Pizza Ranch are donating a day of their wages, and tips collected during the event by Blake’s church group will go to the cause.
Owner Chad Ver Steeg tells KNIA/KRLS News that the response they’ve received from volunteers and organizations who want to help with the event has been overwhelming. He expects that they will still need all the help they can get. Central College has offered overflow parking for the event, and Ver Steeg tells KNIA/KRLS News that if anyone wants to volunteer to help cook, serve, or deliver they can call the Pizza Ranch at 641-628-8844.