Aspiring officers return as volunteers for gala event, which honors law enforcement heroes while supporting youth programs
Fifteen local Police Explorers are looking forward to arriving in their smartly pressed Class A dress uniforms at the Law and Order Ball, to be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 19 at Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers, to serve the distinguished guests and honor the law enforcement heroes they look up to. Rotary Club of Fort Myers South presents this second-annual gala event to recognize the everyday heroes who keep our communities safe and raise funds for Lee County-area law enforcement youth programs, including the Explorers.
Law Enforcement Exploring is offered through Learning for Life, an affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America. The program allows young adults ages 14 through 21 to explore a career in law enforcement by working with local law enforcement agencies. Returning for their second year from their posts at Cape Coral Police Department, Fort Myers Police Department and Lee County Sheriff’s Office, these young people will serve as greeters, runners and in other capacities to ensure a good time is had by all.
All of the proceeds raised at the Law and Order Ball will benefit the Rotary Club of Fort Myers South Foundation and Lee County law enforcement youth programs. Some of the funds will help cover the costs of training and gear for the Explorers program, which has produced alumni who currently serve in our county’s law enforcement agencies.
To support youth programs such as the Explorers, and the law enforcement officers who serve our community, purchase your tickets today, become a sponsor or make a donation. Tickets are $150 per person and $1,200 for a table of eight, and are available now at www.lawandorderball.org. Information about in-kind donations and sponsorship opportunities can also be found at that website or by contacting Lori Cook North at lori@eventfulinc.com. Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect Southwest Florida, and our community can show their appreciation by underwriting the cost of law enforcement tickets through the Fund-A-Cop program. See the website for details.
This gala event includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, a silent and live auction, entertainment and some very special surprises. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Officer of the Year Award to one special hero, who will receive a custom designed piece by Rotarian Mark Loren of Mark Loren Designs. Five finalists will be recognized: Staff Officer Darryl Aubuchon, Deputy Chris Meyer and Deputy Michael Zazwirsky (Lee County Sheriff’s Office), Officer David Conticelli (Fort Myers Police Department) and Detective Patricia Enterline (Cape Coral Police Department).
The finalists for “Officer of the Year” were selected in a blind judging process from nominations provided by their respective agencies based on their consistency in going above and beyond the call of duty, the totality of their contribution to the agency and/or community throughout the year, their service as a role model to others and other extraordinary actions.
Creighton Construction & Development along with Ada’s Natural Market graciously returns as the Title Sponsor for the Law and Order Ball. Rotary Club of Fort Myers South is also grateful to these generous sponsors: LeeSar, Survival Armor, The Fort Myers News-Press, Edison National Bank, CONRIC PR & Marketing | Publishing, The Eventful Company, Enterprise Holdings, NBC-2, Siesta Pebble Inc., Haven, CFS Roofing, FineMark Bank, Florida Gulf Coast University, HBKS Wealth Advisors, The Huff Insurance Agency, Jason’s Deli, Kagan Law Firm, Mark Loren Designs, Rapid Print, Southern Wine and Spirits, TOTI Media, UBS, Wicked Dolphin, PepsiCo and Fort Myers Police Department.
The inaugural Law and Order Ball, held in October of 2014, drew more than 400 local dignitaries, law enforcement representatives, business owners and residents, and raised $84,000. Many levels of sponsorship opportunities are available, with major sponsors being honored at a special VIP reception.
Rotary Club of Fort Myers South
Rotary Club of Fort Myers South has more than 140 members who are among the 1.3 million Rotarians worldwide. Service Above Self is the motto of Rotary International, which has contributed more than $1.2 billion and tens of thousands of volunteer hours toward polio eradication in addition to projects such as water quality, world peace and literacy. Meetings are held each Monday at 12:00 PM at the Crowne Plaza, 13051 Bell Tower Drive. For more information, visit www.rotarysouth.org.