364 Gives is donating $10,000 to the Forest Park Zoo, $2500 to the Cancer House of Hope, $2500 to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and $1300 to the Stephen O’Brien Memorial Learn to Skate Program. The $16,300 in donations this year pushes 364 Gives past $200,000 in total donations since its creation in 2011.
On Thursday, Springfield Police Officers on the Executive Board of the IBPO Local 364 presented checks to representatives from the Forest Park Zoo and Cancer House of Hope in front of the Fallen Officer Memorial at Springfield Police Headquarters.
The majority of the funds raised are from their annual Charitable Golf Tournament in memory of Officer Kevin Ambrose. Officer Ambrose was killed in the line of duty on June 4, 2012. This year’s tournament was held in September at the Ludlow Country Club.
“This year we continued our tradition of raising money and giving back to our community to honor the memory of Officer Kevin Ambrose. I am proud to announce that 364 Gives has now surpassed $200,000 in donations to organizations we believe make a lasting positive impact on the lives of children in our community. They are organizations that Kevin and his family feel strongly about and reinforces the commitment our officers have to the community we serve,” said IBPO Local 364 President and Springfield Police Officer Martin Curley.
“Just about every day our officers do something that often goes unnoticed that enriches the lives of children in community. They not only help keep Kevin’s memory alive, but Officer Stephen O’Brien’s as well. Their donation to the Stephen O’Brien Memorial Learn to Skate Program provides the ice time and skates for the more than 80 kids we skate with. What 364 Gives has been able to do over the past decade deserves to be noticed as they continue their mission of support local organizations. Our officers take pride in their work and take pride in our community”, said Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood.
“Our brave and dedicated men and women of our Springfield Police Department and 364 Gives continues to go above and beyond with these heartfelt donations. 364 Gives continues to honor the memory of Officer Kevin Ambrose and this round of giving once again shows the commitment from our officers to the community and the many great programs and organizations that provide much-needed services to those in need. On behalf of the City of Springfield, thank you to IBPO Local 364 President and SPD Officer Marty Curley and the officers of our SPD. Your generosity, compassion and giving, especially during the holiday season is truly commendable and should be recognized by our community,” said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.
Since its creation in 2011, 364 Gives has donated just more $210,000 to more than 25 deserving organizations that support vital public safety initiatives or enhance children’s lives in our community.