MADISON, AL - The Madison Police Foundation and Chuck Wagon BBQ are teaming up for a monthlong fundraiser aimed at helping protect the city's police K9 officers.
The "Buy a Dog, Save a Dog" fundraiser will be held every Saturday throughout the month of June, including June 6, 13, 20, and 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Chuck Wagon BBQ, according to FOX54.
The event will feature BBQ sales, with organizers saying all proceeds will go toward purchasing bulletproof vests for Madison Police K9 officers, who work alongside handlers to assist in daily law enforcement operations. "Every purchase helps provide life-saving protection for these loyal heroes," Madison Police wrote in a Facebook post.
In Lexington, Kentucky, Sonny's BBQ is hosting a fundraiser to support a police officer who was seriously injured while on duty. Officer Kevin Van Wert was injured on April 13 while attempting to pull over Naqeeb Mufallah, who allegedly sped off while Van Wert was still holding onto the car, according to WKYT.
Van Wert's body hit a light pole, and he was severely injured, leading to multiple surgeries and the loss of his arm. Chelsy LeMaster, the spouse of Kristan Beard, a Lexington police officer, wanted to find a way to support Van Wert, so she organized the fundraiser with Sonny's BBQ.
"It’s heartwarming, I love that I can help, cause I know that if anything were to happen to her, they would do the same thing,” LeMaster said. Twenty percent of each purchase will go to Van Wert and his family when customers mention they are there to support him.
LeMaster said she hopes the fundraiser sends a message to Van Wert and his family that they are not alone. "Kentucky is always going to rally behind heroes. We’re praying for you, and we’re rallying behind you,” she said.
All three Sonny's BBQ locations in Lexington, Richmond, and Nicholasville are participating. The fundraiser applies to dine-in and carry-out orders.
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