Benner Elementary principal tackles monster-sized pizza for a good cause

What would you do to raise money for kids?

Maybe you would go out for a benefit dinner. Maybe you’d buy a pizza at a fundraiser.

But would you eat a whole 24-inch pizza all by yourself?

Benner Elementary Principal Kris Vancas was willing to put his mouth where the money was.

“About two months ago, it sounded like a good idea,” Vancas joked Tuesday.

The Parent Teacher Association was having a fundraising night at Robin Hood Brewing Co. in Bellefonte Tuesday evening. Families were encouraged to attend, and 10 percent of the food proceeds would go to the PTA.

But there was one way to up the ante. If someone would take the challenge to take on the monster-sized pizza, they would sweeten the pot with an extra $250.

“I’m definitely a little nervous,” Vancas said about three hours before crust-time. “The students will certainly enjoy it. That’s what it’s all about.”

The PTA works to enhance the school’s environment and the student experience.

“They support the school in multiple ways, buying those little extra things kids and teachers needs, but the big contribution is one field trip for each grade level each year,” Vancas said.

This story was originally published November 14, 2017 at 8:33 PM with the headline "Benner Elementary principal tackles monster-sized pizza for a good cause."