Thanks to Detroit News for this:
Who makes the best pizza in St. Clair Shores?
It’s a question that resident Bryan Owens had heard asked so many times that he began to wonder if there was a way to put the city’s many, many pizzerias to the test. As a member of the St. Clair Shores Optimist Club, Owens decided to put on a Pizza Palooza, a celebration of pizza and civic pride that will take place at Blossom Heath Park.
He asked more than 30 businesses that make pizza in the Shores to be part of his event, which is raising funds for a local child with autism who is in need of a life-changing therapy.
Awards will be given out to the best square pizza, the best round pizza, the best gluten free pizza, the overall highest scorer and the people’s choice award. Other awards will include a box folding contest for the pizza place employees.
It’s $3.00 entry and try a slice of pizza, and $10 for four slices from participating competitors. There will also be beer and soft drinks for sale, courtesy of Petitpren beverage distributors, Baffin Brewery and Roseville Vending. Local shop Party Adventure on Greater Mack has also donated cups, plates, balloons and more for Pizza Palooza. Funds will go towards the St. Clair Shores Optimist Club’s effort to raise $9,000 for a local child in need.
For Pizza Palooza, Owens was thinking of raising money for another local scholarship, but then he heard about William Kemp, a 2 1/2-year-old boy with autism. His grandmother Michelle Sand was trying to raise funds for him to get a stem cell therapy that aims to help him with his verbal abilities. Owens and Sand connected while both doing work at the Senior Activity Center.
“The sooner they can apply therapy to the frontal lobe of the brain while it’s developing, the better he’s going to be for the rest of his life,” says Owens, adding that he’s proud that the local businesses are volunteering to put on a fun event that will help someone local.
“This is why I love living in St. Clair Shores because, this is what happens, the community comes together for things like this,” he said.
What: Pizza Palooza
When: Sunday, July 20, 2025
Where: Blossom Heath Park (24800 Jefferson ave, St. Clair Shores, MI)
Time: Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Cost: One slice $3/ 4 for $10
Optimist Clubs
