Page 39 - November 2019 FOP

A scintillating addition to the True Blue festivities this year did just that. The “Dash” featured patrons charging boards set up in front of the bandstand to pledge donations ranging from $2 to $98. One donor per increment with the incentive of winning a two-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Chicago resulted in fill- ing the board in less than five minutes and generating a quick $5,000-plus to support Chicago Police Officers.
Following the Dash, Robak generated the second-loudest and longest ovation of the night when he asked the nearly 50 Chicago Police Officers in the room to stand and be recognized. The third loudest came when he announced the CPF would be supporting a much-needed expansion of the CPD’s officer well- ness program. It’s almost as if the $3 million the foundation has raised to advance initiatives that enhance officer safety and re- duce crime across the city would be doubled on this night.
“Our foundation believes that the safety of our neighbor- hoods is a civic responsibility that everyone shares,” Robak rec- ognized when he stepped to the podium. “And we believe that your support translates into tangible benefits for the Chicago police. Let their courage and sacrifice inspire you.”
It already had, considering the who’s who of Chicago busi- nesses that stepped up to be presenting, title and supporting sponsors. Beyond presenting sponsor Greeley and Hansen, the environmental engineering, architecture and consulting firm for which Robak serves as chief operating officer, title sponsors included American Airlines, BMO Harris Bank, Columbia Pipe & Supply Co., LAZ Parking, Magellan Corporation, Motorola Solu- tions, CentralSquare Technologies, United Service Companies, Verizon and Weber Shandwick.
Verizon has a unique perspective on supporting Chicago Police Officers through Response Manager Anthony Isla, who served with the department for 15 years, including a stint in 015.
Patrons engage in the ‘Dash,’ a fundraising event new to this year’s True Blue Event.
Attending with Michael Wood, Verizon’s director of sales for the public sector, Isla saw how much the business community com- ing out means to his sisters and brothers.
“It’s hard to be a police officer, especially right now, so even a small bit of recognition helps,” Isla assessed. “They may not openly admit that they appreciate it, but I think they do. I know I did when I was a police officer.”
Officer Danny Diaz has attended all five True Blue events. He is always inspired by the way donors are inspired to contribute. “I’m absolutely humbled by it because I know firsthand that
the money they have contributed helps the CPD save lives in the community,” Diaz stated. “More police officers need to know that an organization like this exists and that people out there do believe in the work they’re doing and want to help.”
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