Pizza for a Purpose: How Coon Rapids PD Community Dinner Helps Shape the Future of Public Service

COON RAPIDS, Minn. — On a cold January evening, the simple act of sharing a meal will once again become an act of civic investment. On Monday, January 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the community is invited to gather at Pizza Ranch - Andover for a Community Impact Fundraising Night benefiting the Coon Rapids Police Explorers.

For three hours, local Explorers will step out of training scenarios and into the dining room, bussing tables, greeting guests, and sharing their stories. In return, 10 percent of every guest check will be donated directly to their program, turning dinner into a tangible investment in youth leadership and public safety education.

A Night That Directly Supports Youth Development

The funds raised through the Pizza Ranch Community Impact Night support the core needs of the Explorer post, including uniforms, safety equipment, and training materials. A significant portion also helps cover travel expenses to the Minnesota State Explorer Conference, held annually in Rochester.

For many Explorers, the conference represents the culmination of a year of discipline and preparation. Each spring, more than 50 Explorer posts from across Minnesota, along with teams from neighboring states such as North Dakota, South Dakota, and New York, convene at the Mayo Civic Center for multi-day competitions rooted in realism and accountability.

Participants are evaluated in scenario-based exercises that reflect the complexities of modern policing, including traffic stops, accident investigations, domestic crisis response, burglary searches, first aid, and negotiation-based problem solving. These exercises emphasize judgment, communication, teamwork, and ethical decision making, not just technical skill.

The Coon Rapids Police Explorers have built a reputation for strong performance. In 2024, the post earned recognition as a top-placing team in the Crime Prevention category, underscoring the program’s emphasis on proactive community engagement and problem solving.

More Than a Career Pipeline

The Police Explorer program is open to youth ages 14 to 20 who maintain at least a “C” average in school. Affiliated with the Learning for Life division of the Boy Scouts of America, the program is designed not simply as a pathway into law enforcement, but as a broader leadership development experience.

Through mentorship with sworn officers, hands-on training, and community service, Explorers build confidence, maturity, and a strong sense of civic responsibility. Many alumni pursue careers in public safety, the military, emergency services, or community leadership. Others carry the lessons forward into entirely different professions, equipped with discipline and situational awareness that extend far beyond policing.

Police leaders note that community-supported fundraisers are essential to keeping the program accessible. By offsetting costs, these events ensure that participation is not limited by family income, allowing any motivated young person to take part.

Event Details at a Glance

• What: Community Impact Night benefiting the Coon Rapids Police Explorers
• When: Monday, January 26, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Where: Pizza Ranch, 1529 Bunker Lake Blvd NW, Andover
• Impact: 10 percent of guest checks donated to the Explorer program

Pizza Ranch Community Impact Nights are designed to strengthen the bond between local businesses, public safety agencies, and the neighborhoods they serve. On January 26, that partnership will be visible in every cleared table and every shared conversation.

The Coon Rapids Police Department encourages residents to bring family and friends, meet the Explorers, and take part in an evening that proves meaningful community support does not always require a grand gesture. Sometimes, it starts with dinner and a willingness to invest in the next generation.

MinneapoliMedia