West Plains groups involved
LIBERTY LAKE – Several groups gathered in the Meadowwood Technology Campus for the Cops, Cars and Cruisers event on Sept. 16 hosted by the Liberty Lake Police Department.
The event was held, and proceeds went to help the Special Olympics in Washington.
The West Plains Special Olympics were on site as well, meeting guests and checking out some classic cars.
According to Brenda Devine, Liberty Lake Police Ambassador John Bujosa helped bring the event together, and made sure the funds were allocated for local athletes.
“I am very thankful that he was firm in that any funds raised from this event were to stay in support of athletes here in the northeast area specifically,” Devine said.
She said that initially, any funds brought in through law enforcement events would be put in the state fund, but after some discussion that was changed.
“I am grateful that he continues to find a way to also include athletes in his event,” Devine said. “Letting them now have a tent there and a ballot for “Athlete’s Choice Award” as well as this time letting them be part of the presentation of colors.”
Devine said this approach is a great way to help people feel included, and for them to meet the people they support.
“I have watched this event grow and am so excited to see its continued popularity and success,” said Devine.
Another West Plains group that was on site to help educate people is the Women’s Healing and Empowerment Network, which runs the Cleone’s Closet Food Pantry in Airway Heights.
According to the Manager of Cleone’s Closet, Rachelle McNelley, the group was on site to help spread awareness and also to support the participants.
“We feel that it’s important to come out and raise awareness and educate people about our group,” McNelley said. “We can really foster some new partnerships by getting out in these community event.”
“We try to find the groups that are doing the best in the community, and jump onboard to help them out,” she added.
McNelley said this was the first time partnering with Special Olympics, and they are extremely grateful to make that connection.
“We are just so happy to come and hang out with these groups and enjoy a fun day educating people and looking at some nice cars,” McNelley said.
John Bujosa, The Police Ambassador for The Liberty Lake Police Department organizes and runs the annual events to keep the overhead costs lower for the groups so more funds can be raised for the beneficiaries.
“All monies collected, which includes registration fees, some food sales, and any donation go directly to the Special Olympics organization in support of our local area Special Olympians,” Bujosa said. “There are numerous volunteer and support hours that are also donated but not counted nor are any gift-in-kind such as awards.”
Bujosa said it is essential for the department to go out and have a presence so they can build partnerships.
“It is through events like this that we get an opportunity to interact and build mutual trust with community members,” Bujosa said. “The event has not only brought the community together in several ways, it has brought first responders together, some of who had never reached out to one another other than in work related situations.”
Matthew graduated from West Virginia University-Parkersburg in 2011 with a journalism degree. He's an award-winning photographer and enjoys writing stories about people.
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