Jason Hanson makes appearance for Haiti fundraiser

The Achatz pie company held a fundraiser with the Salvation Army to raise money for Haiti. The Achatz family wanted to help the victims in Haiti and they've worked frequently with The Salvation Army so this was a great opportunity to team up again. The Achatz family are also huge Lions fans so they hooked up with them as well to put together a successful event. Customers could get an autograph, as well receive a free slice of pie or a hot bowl of soup to-go with a donation of $10 or more. 

A grand total of $5396 was collected at the six participating Achatz Handmade Pie Company locations and at Achatz Soup from Skratzch’s Homebase in Casco, Michigan.   All proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army Disaster Relief Fund in Haiti.

Achatz Pie Company has been in business for 17 years. They started the business in their home and began expanding soon after. They now have six locations. They also purchased an orchard in Armada to grow the fresh ingredients they would use in their pies.

I stopped by the Sterling Heights location to see the event and chat with the staff at Achatz, and also to visit their special guest, Jason Hanson of the Lions.

Because I am such a huge football fan, there was no way I was going to leave before having a moment to chat with Jason Hanson and get a photo. My husband has always said Jason is one of the nicest people with great family values. He was right. Here's the dialog from the interview:

OCM: How did you get involved with the Lions to help Haiti relief?

Hanson: We (The Lions) have one of the best community relations departments in the NFL. They're active when there is a need like this. They set it up with Achatz Pie company and asked me to come out.

OCM: Who do you think is going to win the Super Bowl?

Hanson: I think it'll be a great game. It's hard to root against Indianapolis and Peyton Manning but I wouldn't be surprised at the winner either way.

OCM: What are your plans for the Super Bowl?

Hanson: Just stay at home with friends and chill out and watch the game.

OCM: How soon do you think it will before the Lions make it to a playoff game?

Hanson: I think it'll be soon. It's difficult because we got ourselves into a position where we're not a very good football team, but now we're climbing out. I like the coaches, I like the decisions were making... As long as one of them is to keep me around (laughs). I think soon we're gonna be pretty good!

OCM: Great! If not a Super Bowl with the Lions, would your equivalent of maybe a small Super Bowl be a win at Lambeau Field? (note: The Lions have not won in Green Bay while Jason has played for the Lions).

Hanson: Right now it would be! I'll take a win up there because in my entire career we never won, so maybe I'm the problem. But we have not won at Lambeau so that would feel pretty good!

OCM: And do you have kids?

Hanson: Yes, I have 3 kids.

OCM: Are you an advocate of getting them involved in youth sports?

Hanson: I do enjoy them being in sports. There's a lot to learn in sports. As long as youth sports does not emulate pro sports too much. It's a great opportunity to learn important character traits. As long as parents and coaches provide the right atmosphere so we don't force it on them, as long as they like to play, we love 'em playing them.