Submitted by Kathleene Campbell
Back in June, the concept of the fundraiser first came to light, when fellow members of a town run Facebook Group, decided they wanted to show their support for the Rutherford Police Department. I offered my help and in time we developed the “We Support Our Rutherford Police Department” lawn sign fundraiser. It is also important to note that this fundraiser is completely Community Driven and separate from the Police Department and the PBA Local 300.
Radek Wspaniały offered his creative talents, at no cost, and designed the lawn sign we are selling. Ward Blackwell, the owner of LOL Signs, helped in acquiring the signs through his company. He has been a valuable asset along the way. Both Radek and Ward have been valuable assets in bringing this fundraiser to our community. Radek is extremely talented and Ward was extremely resourceful in getting quality signs at affordable pricing. This will allow the fundraiser to be even more successful with the generosity of our community.
Last but not least, Jaimie Genovesi, owner of Couture Sublime, designed a custom shirt for delivery day to ensure homeowners can safely confirm it is me walking on their property. We are also considering developing a second fundraiser selling “LOVE Rutherford Police Department” t-shirts. All proceeds will also be donated to the Community Outreach Initiative should we move forward with it.
I and many others felt it was important to show our local Police Department and hometown heroes, that we value and appreciate all of their hard work and service. Many of the police run fundraisers that are dedicated to supporting our community and charities were canceled due to the pandemic. Without the annual PBA Local 300 Golf Outing, Arbor Day Tree Fest and Beer Garden, and the PBA Local 300 Halloween Foot Pursuit 5K, the funds required to keep these important programs, events, and charities funded is lacking and will directly affect our community.
By establishing this fundraiser, we saw this as an opportunity to help our local officers continue to serve their community with educational programs and events. These events have become part of the Rutherford backdrop and something, many residents have become accustomed to and love.
Residents and business owners can visit our google form and purchase their sign there. We are also accepting monetary donations of any amount for those who wish to show their support without a lawn sign. The sign donation is $12 each and that will include 1 sign and 2 metal stakes. Please click here to access the google ordering form.
As of September 19th, we have sold 112 signs. However, we believe with this article many other residents and businesses will learn of the fundraiser raising the number sold.
We began delivery of the signs on Sunday, September 20th, and expect all orders to be completed by the close of the week. Once our fellow neighbors notice them around our beautiful borough, we do believe interest will increase and we will call for a second order.
The money that is raised has been earmarked to be used for the Community Outreach Initiative. This program funds such events as National Night Out, Adopt-a-Cop with the Kindergarten Center, Pedestrian Safety displays and literature, L.E.A.D (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) programs, Addiction Recovery, and many more. By donating to the initiative, the Rutherford Police Department will have the additional resources, which they usually acquire from PBA LOCAL 300, to continue to run valuable community programs and events which have a positive impact on community members of all ages from young children to seniors.
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