Pizza Wednesday Club brings youth, community together

The Pizza Wednesday Club is a popular after-school event that offers all school-aged youth in the Eatonville School District the chance to enjoy a free slice of pizza, a fountain drink, and an opportunity to connect with local community leaders. Held monthly at Myles Pizza Depot, the event serves as a social gathering where students can interact with their peers and community members.

In addition to the monthly meetings, the club hosts Pizza Wednesday Field Trips at local schools, where Varsity Pizza delivers dozens of pizzas for large pizza parties. These events allow students to engage with local law enforcement officers, school board members, and other community figures while enjoying their pizza.

The Pizza Wednesday Club was founded in 2022 by Emy Lay, a local businesswoman and real estate agent. She wanted to create a welcoming space where students felt supported by the community.

“I had an idea to provide an environment where everyone felt like they belonged and had positive influences from the community,” said Lay. “I told my kids to invite their friends to share a pizza after school at Myles Pizza Depot, right across the street from the schools.”

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What started as a small gathering quickly grew as more students from the Eatonville School District joined in. The name "Pizza Wednesday Club" came about when a local Eatonville High School student commented that the group was the “Pizza Wednesday Club.”

“I could see right away it would continue to grow exponentially week after week,” Lay said. “Kids loved having a place to stop by right after school, visit with friends, have a free slice of pizza, and mingle with community leaders.”

The club’s popularity led to donations from local businesses, private citizens, and organizations recognizing the value of providing a positive space for youth.

The Pizza Wednesday Club is open to all students in the Eatonville School District, and Lay, along with the organizing team, works to bring the program to as many students as possible. In addition to Myles Pizza Depot, the club has hosted pizza parties at Columbia Crest STEM Academy, Weyerhaeuser Elementary, and Eatonville Middle School. There are plans to expand the program to Eatonville Elementary and Eatonville High School.

At each school-day event, the club holds raffles for students, offering prizes like new bikes, arts and crafts sets, and sports equipment — gifts donated by community members.

“We’ve also held special events for elementary and middle school-aged special education students,” Lay said. “During these personalized events, the kids get to make their pizza, do an art project, and visit one-on-one with local law enforcement. They even play arcade games at the restaurant and tour law enforcement vehicles.”

The club hosts Pizza Wednesday in the Park in the summer, a family-friendly event featuring playground time, organized sports, and raffle prizes. The event also partners with a local ice cream truck, offering kids a free dessert.

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In Spring 2024, the Eatonville Family Agency officially adopted the Pizza Wednesday Club as part of its youth programs. Despite this, the club continues to rely on local donations and volunteers to keep the program running while exploring additional funding sources, including grants.

Volunteers come from various community groups, including the Eatonville Police Department, Eatonville School District Superintendent Jay Brower, and local businesses like Myles Pizza Depot and Varsity Pizza. Youth volunteers, such as Dillan Mead and Anthony Peterson from Eatonville Elementary, assist with event tasks and build confidence through their involvement. Additionally, local organizations like the Lions Club and Washington State Patrol have contributed to the program, with the State Patrol even providing volunteers for a special event. Myles Pizza Depot and Varsity Pizza offer discounts and logistical support, making the program possible.

The results of the Pizza Wednesday Club have far exceeded expectations. Hundreds of youth attend the monthly events, and the community has embraced the program through regular donations and volunteer efforts. The excitement among students is palpable, with many talking about the event throughout the school day as they eagerly await the final bell.

The Pizza Wednesday Club has proven that even a simple idea — like sharing a slice of pizza — can have a lasting and meaningful impact on youth and strengthen bonds within a community. Lay hopes the program will inspire other communities to develop similar initiatives, demonstrating the power of community engagement and support.