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A Police Benevolent Foundation... How
it All Started
Often, members of the board are asked; "Where did
you come up with the idea for the Foundation?" The answer is simple:
Nothing like it ever existed in Pennsylvania, until now. It went
like this:
Initially, the idea for an organization dedicated to
help injured officers and their families was the brain-child of Officer
Rich Griffith of the South Park Township Police Department. In April of 2011, Officer James Kuzak was shot while
responding to a domestic call in Clairton, Pa. Friends gathered to help him and his family by raising
money. Although his medical bills were covered by insurance, there were
many costly incidentals that needed to be addressed. It was quickly
learned that there was no agency, business or organization that existed to
help police officers and their families in a time of crisis. So, we started one.
Contacts needed to be made, events needed to be
planned, and the word needed to get out. By trial and error, we learned
media relations, event planning and coordination, and conquered the
fundamentals of fund raising. With little knowledge of public relations
but a lot of determination, those who committed to help their friend
were very successful.
Using our new-found
skills, those who came together to
help Officer Kuzak in April of 2011, now make up the Foundation's Board of
Directors dedicated to help many into 2012 and beyond.
Check out the new Coming Events page!!
Just added:
*** 1st Annual WPPBF Heroes Ride - 2012 ***
*** Stars, Stripes & Bikes Memorial Ride ***
Autistic Son of Fallen Officer to Get Service Dog,
WTAE TV, February 10, 2012
Penguin Fans Donate More Than $30,000 in Honor of Fallen Officer,
WTAE
TV Video, December 28, 2011
Police will take donations for slain officer at Pens game,
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 26, 2011
Bucks and Pucks: Penguins, Police Raise Money to Support Teen with
Special Needs, Sewickley Patch -
December 26, 2011
Spaghetti Dinner a Success for Officer &
Wife,
Sewickley Patch - December 11, 2011
Applebees Fundraiser,
KDKA- December 5, 2011
Officers Help Family,
TribLive - October 15, 2011
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