Our short lived snow fall has melted away and spring is in the air in the Old Pueblo! Just like many of you, Tucson Police Foundation has been very busy over the ‘winter’– raising funds and supporting the Tucson Police Department with needs that cannot be met through the budget process.

Since our last newsletter was published, we have hosted two very successful events. The Cops and Rodders Car Show was held in early November and attended by thousands of people. With over 400 cars entered, this show has quickly become a premier event on the circuit for car show enthusiasts. A devoted team of volunteers works hard throughout the year to pull everything together that makes this day a success—food, vendors, displays, and, of course, the individuals who so proudly drive out so the rest of us can enjoy their beautiful vehicles.

The 8th Annual Unsung Heroes Celebration was held at the end of January. This year, we honored three current officers, Tim Froebe, Meghan Wightman, and Jason Wilhelmsen, along with retired officer Bill Hogan. The Chairman’s Award recipient was 88-Crime. We also presented ballistic vests to several officers from the latest round of purchases.

With over 350 attendees, we set new records in both attendance and funds raised. Thanks to a generous community, we cleared over $58,000. Those funds will be used to purchase more ballistic vests for eligible officers as well as providing for the variety of needs that would not be met otherwise.

As you will see, we have a couple of fun events coming up in this spring. Our Canine Walk for Cops is scheduled for April 27 and is always a great time. Even if you don’t have a dog to walk, come out and join us at Brandi Fenton Park. The proceeds raised benefit the K 9 unit of TPD so you know it is a worthy cause. And what fun it is to see all those dogs strutting their stuff, enjoying the sunshine, the vendors, the food and the demonstration provided by the K9 unit.

Saturday, May 4 brings our second Clays for Cops to the Tucson Trap and Skeet Club. This competitive event is sometimes referred to as ‘golf with a shot gun.’ Both individuals and teams are welcome, and I understand that there is a challenge between Tucson Police Department and some of the other departments participating. Should be a lot of fun!

Come join us at one of our events and see first-hand how much fun we have while raising money to benefit those who put their lives on the line for us every day. Keeping these officers safe means a better Tucson for all of us.

Thank you,

Ellen E. Yacovone
Chair, Board of Directors

March 2013

Previous Messages:

Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your day to visit our website!  The last time I wrote to you, I spoke about the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, particularly the Board of Directors of TPF.  Today I would like to highlight our Friends of the Force members who give us not only money but time.

Friends of the Force members are businesses and corporations who take their support of TPF to the next level by committing to a specific dollar amount each year.  In addition, they also provide support by volunteering their time on our board and/or at our events.  Many of these organizations encourage their employees to get involved with the Tucson Police Foundation through volunteer opportunities. More Info »

“Investing in your community” — it sounds like such a simple concept, but we are surviving together through a tough economy. From my perspective we are fortunate because our community has gone above and beyond to step up and help others in a wide variety of areas, including our police department. More Info »

Dear Honorees and Guests:

Just like all of our fellow citizens here, I was shocked and saddened by the events of January 8, 2011, where a lone gunman shot United States Congressional Representative Gabrielle Giffords and nineteen people present, including members of Ms. Giffords’ staff. More Info »

TBD – December 2012

Randolph Golf Course, 7am to 1:30pm. Continental Breakfast; Shotgun start; BBQ. More Info »