First annual ‘Fund the Police’ brat fry exceeds expectations
By Brandi Makuski
Steve Orlikowski was hoping to raise at least $600 at Trig’s on Saturday.
“It would be nice to give each department $200,” Orlikowski said. “It would be kind of embarrassing if we only raised a couple hundred bucks.”
Orlikowski, a Whiting resident, organized the Fund the Police fundraiser in response to the anti-police sentiment he saw on social media.
“I knew there were people in the community who supported our local law enforcement,” he said. “So I figured this was the least we could do for them, show some kind of community support.”
Jennifer Firkus and Greta Mlodik helped in the sales booth. Orlikowski arranged for K9 handlers to appear, with their canine partners, throughout the day.
The group raised $1,610.883. Orlikowski said he plans to present just over $530 to the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office, and police departments in Stevens Point and Plover.
“It was great community support,” he said. “The store manager said it’s the best they’ve ever had.”