Since 1951 the nonprofit Turlock Police Association, Widows and Orphans Foundation has provided care for families of police officers after a death in the line of duty.
Over the years that mission has expanded to care for all those suffering from tragedy and loss, and all employees who passed-on after having served the City of Turlock with distinction and dedication.
The Widows and Orphans Foundation’s noble efforts received a boost in 2010 with the reintroduction of the Policeman’s Ball, which hadn’t been held since 1962. The ball is the largest fundraiser of the year for Widows and Orphans, and has lead to further outreach for the foundation, as well as impressive sponsorship from major local civic organizations and businesses.
Widows and Orphans President Allison Martin says that in 2010 and 2012 the foundation awarded college scholarships to the daughters of Darrell Harden, a Turlock police officer who succumbed to his battle with cancer in 2001.
This year the foundation launched a scholarship fund for all Turlock students who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement. The foundation also donates to the City of Turlock Christmas Family charity, which provides food and clothing for families in need during the holiday season.
“For the Widows and Orphans Foundation to be able to care for those families and students that need a helping hand, fundraisers like the Policeman's Ball were created,” said Martin.
At the heart of continuing these efforts is, of course, the upcoming Policeman’s Ball, scheduled for Oct. 11.
“This year is our 16th Annual Policeman's Ball fundraiser. The Board of Widows and Orphans has been planning this year's Ball since October of 2012, and is looking forward to another successful event,” said Martin.
This year, the Policeman’s Ball will be held at the Assyrian American Civic Club located at 2618 N. Golden State Blvd. in Turlock. The theme will be Mardi Gras.
Tickets are $35 per person or $60 per couple if purchased before Sept. 20. The Ball will begin at 6 p.m. with an open bar, dinner at 7 p.m., and dancing to Sounds by DJ DMac from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight.
There will be silent auction and drawing prizes worth over $2,000, including tickets to Hearst Castle, a signed football from San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, and a golf package for four at the Turlock Golf and Country Club.
Tickets can be purchased at the Turlock Police Department, located at 900 N. Palm St., or by calling Patrice Noble at (209) 664-7334, or Allison Martin at (209) 664-7303.
The ticket count for the Policeman's Ball is not set, however, the foundation expects at least 250 attendees.
For more information visit www.tpdwidowsandorphans.com.
