Earlier this year, Sebastian County Sheriff Deputy Bill Cooper died in the line of duty after being shot.
The Centerton Fraternal Order of Police (F.O.P.), Lodge 86, is hosted the “Back the Blue” New Years Gala at the Ravington, 293 North Main St., in Centerton Thursday to support Cooper and the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.).
“Everyone came out.” Patrick Stuart, Centerton F.O.P. said. “We had local politicians who came out along with local officers and also prominent citizens that own businesses come out to help support.”
The event had an open local beer and wine bar with catering and entertainment. Each ticket purchased came with five raffle tickets for the evening raffle.
The big prize that was raffled off was donated by American Airlines; two round-trip tickets to anywhere in the continental United States.
“What we’re going to do is raise money to give to the C.O.P.S. foundation, which supports families, survivors of police deaths,” Stuart said. “Then we are going to do a little bit for Deputy Bill Cooper’s family.”
With is being the first new year gala, Stuart was extremely pleased with the community coming out to support such a great cause.
“People tonight were buying extra raffle tickets to help support the cause,” Stuart said. “We are excited. We had people come in and buy extra tickets just to donate.”
Nearing the end of the event, Stuart said that they had raised over $2,000. He said that number will continue to grow.
If you are interested in donating to the Centerton F.O.P., Stuart said to message them through Facebook.
