In a heartwarming initiative, a Philadelphia graduate student has creatively combined his passion for pizza-making with philanthropy, raising over $30,000 for local charities during the pandemic. Twenty-seven-year-old Alex Carter, an MBA student at the University of Pennsylvania, has turned his second-floor apartment into a mini pizzeria, literally lowering free pizzas from his window.
Carter began making pizzas as a hobby after moving to Philadelphia in 2019. What started as casual dinners for friends transformed into a charitable endeavor when he found himself with extra dough after a canceled gathering due to COVID-19. He invited friends to swing by and receive their pizzas through his window, and the concept quickly gained traction.
“I started this to maintain connections with friends during these challenging times,” Carter shared. “I hoped the pizzas would bring smiles, and it’s been incredible to see how it has evolved.” His efforts have not only delighted his neighbors but also raised significant funds for organizations like Philabundance and Project Home, which tackle homelessness and hunger.
As demand surged, Carter implemented a lottery system for his pizza drops, enabling people to sign up through an email list or his Instagram. He can prepare only 20 pizzas each night, yet in just two months, over 900 individuals registered for his beloved “pizza drops.” Each free pizza includes a handwritten note, and all donations are collected via Venmo (@GoodPizzaPHL).
“Every day, I wake up excited to do this,” he said. “It gives me a purpose during these tough months, and I’m thrilled about the funds we’ve raised and the positivity we’ve shared.”
Even those outside the Philadelphia area can support Carter’s cause by donating via Venmo or sending encouraging notes on social media. Individuals like Carter are truly making a difference in their communities. For more engaging stories, check out this blog post on home insemination.
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In summary, Alex Carter’s innovative approach to making pizzas not only fosters community connection but also raises significant funds for important causes. His story exemplifies how individual passions can lead to substantial impact.