Cane Rosso pizzeria, located at 4715 S. Lamar Blvd., Sunset Valley, and the city of Sunset Valley organized an event for the community March 28 to show gratitude to local first responders, to meet neighbors and to promote good mental health practices.

The event came one week after the conclusion of the local serial bombings and related ongoing investigation that occurred earlier in March, in which the Sunset Valley Police Department contributed. Officers from the Austin, Rollingwood, Round Rock and West Lake Hills police departments were also in attendance and enjoyed free pizza.

“We wanted a way for people to give and show thanks to local police officers in person; something that wasn’t just clicking a donations button online,” said Neel Gibbons, Cane Rosso director of events and catering.

Instead of focusing on the recent bombings, Sunset Valley Mayor Rose Cardona said she hoped the event would encourage residents to get to know their neighbors and local community officials.

Fifteen percent of sales during the event were donated to an Austin ISD group to fund a parent support specialist at Sunset Valley Elementary School, who could act as an community liaison and mental health advocate, Carsona said.

A parent support specialist would equip parents and teachers with the skills and tools needed to support students, and would build relationships with community residents and officials, said Leonor Vargas, Administrative Supervisor of Parent Programs with Austin ISD.

“Parents are everyone’s first teacher,” she said. “Sunset Valley has a diverse population and a specialist would be the one making sure needs are being met. Educating our community is a continued effort.”

The 100 Club of Central Texas, which provides financial assistance to area first responders and their families, was also accepting donations and memberships at the event.

“It’s good that people come out to thank the officers and support youth in the community,” Cardona said.