Pagliacci & Friends of the Children: Kicks4Kids

We first got to know Friends of the Children when Stefan Hauser, a longtime mentor with the Seattle chapter, wandered into our Columbia City store in 2022. The more we learned, the more intrigued we were. We’ve been a supporter ever since. So when they called asking if we could help feed families at their Blitz Kicks 4 Kids event, it was an easy yes.

The Hawks sent Blitz, defensive end Boye Mafe, two Seahawks Dancers, and Nike shoes for every attendee. Kids enjoyed photos, high-fives, Pagliacci pizza, cupcakes, and time with their families and mentors at Friends’ Columbia City headquarters.

At the core of Friends of the Children’s mission is putting children first — walking alongside youth who face some of life’s hardest challenges from kindergarten through high school for 12+ years, no matter what.

“We’re grateful for your partnership,” says Edgar Masmela, deputy director at Friends of the Children–Seattle. “The families truly enjoyed the pizza, and it added so much warmth to the day… your support helped create such a welcoming atmosphere. Your generosity not only feeds families but also strengthens the connections that help our youth thrive.”

Since our first pizza-toss lesson at our Columbia City store, we’ve hosted an encore, run a career day where youth tried mock interviews and learned about roles beyond the oven, and provided gift cards so mentors could treat mentees to a meal.

Friends of the Children pairs youth with salaried, professional mentors from kindergarten through graduation. In Seattle, 18 mentors support 162 mentees, meeting with each mentee for at least four hours a week. The Columbia City clubhouse is a weekday hub, a place to grab a snack, work on homework, or head to the park. Outings follow youth interests, from trying new foods to college visits and game days.

It’s community backing community. We’re glad to be part of it.

To learn more about Friends of the Children, click here.