Wintersong Village in Knox is hosting a fundraiser on Thursday they hope will support Starke County’s law enforcement officers.
A “Back the Blue” chili cookoff will be held at 4:30 p.m. at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center, and will pit the best of Starke County against each other. Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin and Knox Police Chief Harold Smith will be among the judges.
Jodi Wagner with Wintersong Village says the “Back the Blue” event is a way to bring all parties in the community together.
“It’s just a way to support our local law enforcement for all that they do and sacrifice to help all of us in the community,” says Wagner. “It’s our way of getting the community involved so they can show their support as well.”
Providing assistance for the Knox K-9 unit will be the cause being backed by the funds raised. The police department recently purchased a vehicle to better house the dog while on patrol.
The K-9 officer is in need of food and veterinary care. Tickets are being offered at Wintersong Village for those interested in attending the chili cookoff. The proceeds will be used to help fund the K-9 units’ maintenance.
Wagner says there are plenty of reasons for their support.
“Someway, somehow, everyone is Starke County is affected,” says Wagner. “We look to law enforcement for support, for protection and you never know when you’re going to need that.”
Chili cookoffs held by Wintersong Village are expected to be an ongoing source of volunteer funding for local law enforcement.
