Fundraiser for slain Philadelphia cops' families to returning
Like most people, Bill Kehner Jr. felt awful whenever he thought about the seven Philadelphia police officers who had been killed in the line of duty since 2006.
Like most people, Bill Kehner Jr. felt awful whenever he thought about the seven Philadelphia police officers who had been killed in the line of duty since 2006.
And when he heard last year that the Fraternal Order of Police Survivor's Fund, which provides support to the families of fallen cops, had been pretty much drained - well, that made him feel even worse.
Unlike most people, Kehner decided to do something.
The 28-year-old Sea Isle City bartender launched "Salute to the Fallen," a fundraiser held last June at LaCosta Lounge, where he's tended bar for eight years.
The event raised $7,000 for the Survivor's Fund.
Kehner will be back at it again on Sunday with the second installment of "Salute to the Fallen." which will run from 3 to 7 p.m. at the lounge, at 4000 Landis Ave.
"We were pretty happy with what we raised last year," he said. "Any more than that would be a blessing."
Kehner said he's already sold about 100 tickets for this year's fundraiser. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
The price of admission includes free draft beer, wine, soda, a buffet and entertainment from Jerry Blavat and The Insiders. Tickets can be purchased by calling 609-263-3756.
Kehner said he received enthusiastic feedback long after last year's fundraiser was over.
"You kind of grasp how much people appreciated," he noted. "It motivated us to keep it going."
FOP president John McNesby said the money raised by "Salute to the Fallen" helped the Survivor's Fund become solvent again.
"They did a great thing," he added. "The community hasn't let this die."
A separate fundraiser to benefit the Survivor's Fund will be held at Keenan's Irish Pub in North Wildwood tomorrow, McNesby said.
Jon Runyan, the former Philadelphia Eagles star and current South Jersey Congressional candidate, will be among scores of people taking part in a charity motorcycle ride to the pub, where food, beer and prizes will be available starting at noon, he said. For information, contact the FOP at 215-629-3611.