Thank you for Making our 2023 Shop with a Cop Gala a Night to Remember

Thank you.  I use those two words often, but they never seem enough. 

As I think back on Thursday's Shop with a Cop Gala.  I am so grateful that it's hard to express it in words adequately. 

It will be three years since we held our first Shop with a Cop event, yet I am still humbled by the number of people supporting this great cause.  Last year, we exceeded our original goal of 150 children to 200.  Two hundred children received breakfast and a hot lunch, a shopping bag with holiday pajamas, 100 dollars to shop with local law enforcement for gifts for their loved ones in our holiday village, a visit with Santa where they received a special gift off their wishlist and the opportunity to make smores with our Fire and EMS departments. 

Whether you donated, attended the Gala, or purchased a live or silent auction item, YOU are helping us reach our goal. With over 600 applications for this year's Shop with a Cop, I am happy to announce that we will support 300 children this December 2nd.

While we celebrate the fundraising success of the Gala, I must also thank those behind the scenes. The months and days leading up to an event like this are filled with hours of hard work. In those days and hours, I once again am reminded of the true heart of the people who make Shop with a Cop a very successful event.  Committee members sent letters, made phone calls, and collected donations to help make the Gala possible.  All of this was done in addition to their already busy lives.  

I heard so many positive comments in the room that evening about the auction items we received, the delicious food, and the gorgeous table displays.  And a wonderful evening it was.  None of that would have been possible without the dedication of our committee. 

These words of thanks don't just come from me - they come from all of the children and their guardians who will benefit from Shop with a Cop.  Your support means 300 children will have a magical day on December 2, 2023. 

Respectfully,

Mary Kroptavich