Lodge digs deep for program funding
By Alexandra Bogdanovic
Although it's a little less than last year's, a donation from Warrenton Moose Lodge 1695 to the Shop with a Cop program will allow local police to take at least 30 children shopping during the holidays.
This year's fundraising golf tournament was held June 5 at Kastle Green Golf Club in Midland. In all, there were 86 participants.
“Jim Harris offered to give a car to the person who made a hole-in-one. I think that was a big draw for people this year,” said Rusty Spearman, whose father John is a driving force behind the tournament.
Even so, the proceeds fell short of the anticipated goal, so the lodge's board of governors kicked in some additional funds to bring the total donation to $4,500.
In 2007, the lodge also hosted a golf tournament with proceeds benefiting the program. The event netted $5,000.
Michele Croisetiere is a domestic violence resource specialist with the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office. She helps coordinate the Shop with a Cop program each year.
She said organizers appreciate the continued support from Warrenton Moose Lodge, especially considering the economic downturn that is now affecting almost everyone.
“We do have concerns about the economy since we are a non-profit program,” Croisetiere said. “We will be okay for this year, but there will have to be a lot of collaboration and brainstorming to make sure we will be okay next year and the year after that.”
Shop with a Cop started here in 1997. Each year since then, Fauquier County deputies, Warrenton police officers and Virginia State troopers assigned to the area have taken children ages four to 12 holiday shopping. The kids are also treated to a breakfast courtesy of Fauquier County detectives.
In the past, police have taken as many as 70 to 75 Fauquier County kids shopping, according to Croisetiere.
The program is not for kids from indigent families, but for those who have had negative experiences where police had to be called. In some cases, they have been victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence.
Over the past 11 years, Shop with a Cop has also been funded through some individual donations.
The Sheriff's Office has also coordinated some fundraising events, such as the motorcycle rallies held in 2006 and 2007. Some of the proceeds from polo matches held during Law Enforcement Appreciation night at Great Meadow have benefited the program, as well.
Anyone who wishes to make individual contributions can send checks made payable to Shop with a Cop to the Shop With a Cop program/ care of the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office, 78 West Lee Street, Warrenton Va. 20186.
“The money is used completely for the kids and any little bit helps,” Croisetiere said.
E-mail the reporter: abogdanovic@timespapers.com