(STORY IMAGE:KHQ.COM)
SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. -The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team Member’s Fund “Razor” efforts raised over $5,600 for Sally’s House this year. This is the third year the SWAT Team has raised funds to help Sally’s House, a well deserving emergency receiving facility for children (2-12 years of age) who have been removed from their home due to abuse, neglect, abandonment or criminal activity.
This afternoon, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team Members took some time away from training to visit with the children and staff at Sally’s House. They also presented a check for $5,635, which was a result of their 3rd Annual Fund “Razor” efforts.
The Fund “Razor” evolved from the SWAT Team deciding three years ago they wanted to give back as a Team to the community they serve. Something to help others outside their chosen careers; something as SWAT Team Members usually do, to go above and beyond.
The first year, the Team donated money personally and accumulated $1,000 to donate.
"They choose Sally’s House because they are very aware of the great work they do helping children in our community and they also know even a small donation can be a big help," the Sheriff's Office said in a news release.
The second year, wanting to do more, the idea grew and the Fund “Razor” event emerged, leading to a fun way to get others involved. The Fund “Razor” became an event where Lt. Jay McNall and Sgt. Mike Zollars volunteered to shave their beloved mustaches as motivation for Team Members to sell raffle tickets. The Team, now curious of how the Lt. and Sgt. would look, were motivated to say the least. As the word spread, it seemed several people in and around the Spokane County Campus, family and friends also had the same curiosity. In 2017, the SWAT Team donated $3,500 to Sally’s House.
This year, inspired by their efforts, the Fund “Razor” raffle brought the entire Team’s fashionable hair styles into play. They asked the supporters to vote and select a Team Member who would win a free opportunity to shave their head completely bald, in addition to their donation. The Fund “Razor’s” popular vote revealed Sgt. Whapeles as the winner and the SWAT Teams efforts raised $5,635 for Sally’s House.
"This is truly what being a “Cop” really is, despite what some would lead you to believe. Giving back, helping others, strengthening community and doing so, not because it’s expected or a job, but doing so because it’s a desire," The Sheriff's Office said in a news release.