Ypsilanti police officers help fire victims
NOTE: The following is an abridged version of the Ypsilanti Courier's article titled "Community reaches out to fire victims" written by Dan DuChene and published on February 22, 2007. A link to the full article is at the end of this page.
Despite the cold and wintry conditions, area residents kept victims of the Paradise Manor fire, that killed three children, warm in their hearts.
There is one more event from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, at Cady's Bar and Grill, in Depot Town.
The Ypsilanti Area Jaycees are helping the Ypsilanti Police Department organize the second annual Protect and Serve Banquet.
Megan Turf, who is helping to organize the event, said the event gets its name because eight Ypsilanti police officers will be serving dinner to those who come out. "The Jaycees will be their backup," she said.
Twenty-five percent of the sales that night will be donated to the county's fund. Another 10 percent of the tips will be donated to the same place.
Turf said the group hopes to raise $1,500 from the banquet this year. "As much as we can raise would be wonderful," she said. Last year, the event raised nearly $1,900. The proceeds from that event helped to fund several community police programs run by the Ypsilanti Police Department.This year, the officers elected to have the funds go to the fire victims.
"It's such a unique idea," Turf said, "police officers in uniform waiting tables."
Matt Harshberger, chief of police for the city of Ypsilanti said, "I think it's a great idea. It's nice to see everyone come together for a common cause," he said. "It kind of bridges all the issues out there."