Page 56 - December 2018

Deck the FOP Hall
The FOP Hall was filled with holiday cheer on Dec. 1 when the Chicago FOP Family Auxiliary hosted its annual “Lunch with Santa.” More than 200 Lodge 7 members and their fam- ilies attended the highly anticipated visit from Santa that has been hosted by the Family Auxiliary for 20 years.
Children received Santa hats upon entry to the holiday lun- cheon and were given the opportunity to participate in a col- oring contest to win a gingerbread house kit prize. Families enjoyed lunch and snacks, and each waited their turn to take pictures with the man in the big red suit.
Many active and retired Chicago Police Department officers attended and participated in the event, including former re- tired officer Ellen Schmitz, who sold handmade flannel hats to raise money for a scholarship fund to benefit to children of police officers.
The Chicago FOP Family Auxiliary also took the opportu- nity to raise money for the children of former CPD officer Ja- son Van Dyke by selling bracelets adorned with the Auxiliary’s
motto, “Never let them walk alone.”
Children also enjoyed face painting, games and gift give-
aways while spending an afternoon among those who under- stand what it’s like to have a family member in law enforce- ment.
“I Just feel that people enjoy it and kids get to see other kids that are in their position,” noted Chicago FOP Family Auxiliary President Angie Haynes. “They get to enjoy something that’s just for them.”
Chicago Lodge 7 Trustee Joe Gentile made a speech about the many benefits the Auxiliary provides and the unity it pro- motes to the blue family. Families also got to interact and take pictures with some special guests from the CPD K9 and Mounted units.
The annual FOP Family Auxiliary Lunch with Santa was a great way to kick off the holiday season, giving members the good cheer that reminds them of how thankful and proud they are to be a part of the Lodge 7 family.
56 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ DECEMBER 2018