The final tally is in and Knoxville Police Department officers donated $14,215 to be divided among four different charitable organizations during its three-month beard and lapel fundraiser. That exceeds the nearly $11,000 contribution the Department made in 2018.
From October 1 until December 31, KPD officers were given the option to grow beards for a contribution of $25 per month. Officers could also show their support for the various causes by wearing authorized lapel pins for a $10 donation per pin.
October was devoted to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (pink pin), while November was committed to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (burgundy pin) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (light blue pin). December was set aside exclusively for the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
A total of $4,465 went to the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, while KPD officers also delivered gifts directly to children at the hospital on December 12 and again on December 19. The KPD also provided $4,465 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, while $2,642.50 went to both the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
“I am so incredibly grateful to our officers for their commitment to supporting these causes that are near and dear to our department,” Chief of Police Eve Thomas said. “It is obviously exciting for our officers to have the opportunity to grow a beard for a couple of months, but I know that it is equally important for them to be able to contribute to these organizations in a meaningful way.
“Our department strives to make a positive difference in the community every single day and, oftentimes, that impact is difficult to measure,” Thomas continued. “I feel that this contribution tangibly shows our dedication as an organization to helping and supporting those in need.”