2019 Annual Report
What an incredible year for the Greensboro Police Foundation! On October 12, 2019, we held our first annual large-scale signature fundraising event, The Blue Salute, presented by the DeJoy Wos Family Foundation. This distinctive soiree was held at the Proximity Hotel and was sponsored by over 75 organizations and individuals. Nearly 300 guests indulged in delicious appetizers and cocktails while enjoying the live music of the band Right to Party. As they entered the hotel, guests were able to tour specialized police vehicles such as the armored truck and the Mobile Command Center. Once inside, they could get their picture taken on an electric motorcycle, play with K9 Porter, the department’s therapy dog, and learn about the bomb-diffusing robot. A few lucky guests even took a turn on the Firearms Training Simulator. The event surpassed our wildest expectations and raised over $150,000 for the Greensboro Police Foundation!
The police foundation continues to be excellent stewards of donated funds. In 2019, we again hosted four Recognition Luncheons that celebrated the outstanding achievements of police officers and department employees. This year, the luncheons were attended by over 400 guests and over 100 officers and employees were honored. We also recognized and thanked our officers by treating 200 officers and family members to a night at the Greensboro Grasshoppers ballpark where they saw Chief Scott throw out the first pitch and stood for the national anthem sung by a Greensboro police officer.
Greensboro was the proud host city for the 2019 State Law Enforcement Memorial Service. Hundreds of law enforcement officers, family members and other dignitaries traveled to Greensboro to attend this service that honors the law enforcement officers that made the ultimate sacrifice over the course of the year. The police foundation was proud to help with this significant undertaking by underwriting a breakfast before the service and hotel accommodations for family members.
Last year was also the inaugural year for a brand-new program, the Officer Jared Franks Memorial Scholarship Award, given in memory of Officer Jared Franks who was killed in the line of duty on November 10, 2018. This award was developed in partnership with the GTCC Foundation. The recipient receives a full scholarship to pursue an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice Technology from GTCC.
The police foundation supported smaller initiatives that make a big impact. The foundation underwrote $3,500 in memorial flowers, sponsored the annual Police & Citizens Awards Banquet, purchased medals for the graduates of the spring 2019 Students Overcoming Situations program and provided refreshments and supplies for two Police Academy Family Nights and Graduation Cookouts.
In 2020, the police foundation looks forward to collaborating with Chief Brian James as he brings fresh perspective and initiatives to the police department and the city of Greensboro.