By Pat Culverhouse
Plans are proceeding full speed ahead for the inaugural Minden Police Association (MPA) banquet scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Minden Civic Center. Activities are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
Sponsorships are still available, according to MPD Administrative Assistant C.J. Cheatham, and donations of items for the evening’s raffle and door prizes may still be made.
“We’re hoping to make this banquet an event that will continue annually,” Cheatham said. “This is an opportunity to honor the dedicated officers who serve our community, and to celebrate partnerships between law enforcement and the citizens we protect.”
Cheatham said the banquet is “informal.”
“We want everyone who attends to be comfortable,” she said. “To relax and just have a good time.”
Tickets for the event are $50 per person and the price includes a meal catered by Hugh Wood and drinks for the evening. Tickets may be purchased by calling Cheatham at 318-371-4226 or at the door the night of the event.
Available sponsorships include:
•Table sponsor—$1,000. Sponsorship includes recognition on table, event slide, social media recognition and acknowledgement during the banquet. Also, dinner for eight gusts, swag bag including 50 raffle tickets and two drink armbands.
• Gold sponsor—$750. Recognition in event program and slide, four meal tickets and 10 raffle tickets.
• Silver sponsor—$500. Recognition in event program and slide, two meal tickets and five raffle tickets.
A few items featured at the banquet will be a deer stand to be auctioned to the highest bidder, and raffle items including 10 firearms, a gun safe, LSU and LA Tech football tickets and many others.
In addition to many door prizes, a Split-the-Pot will be offered which will give attendees the chance to win $500 or more with just a $5 donation.
“As a non-profit organization committed to supporting the Minden Police Department, the MPA relies on the generosity of businesses and the public to make this event a success,” Cheatham said. “Sponsors and those who attend demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being in our community.”
Cheatham said the mission of the MPA is to continue community outreach programs, training opportunities and officer support not only for Minden police officers but other first responders who may be facing hardships.
MPA funds also go to Minden officers to provide supplies such as water, food and other necessities when they find themselves working long hours during special assignments.
MPA funds also help support special events including Trunk or Treat, staged at Halloween for local children, and the annual Shop With A Cop Christmas event that serves children and families in the area.
Cheatham said one future plan of the MPA is to provide scholarships for area graduating seniors.
“We’re in the discussion stage on the scholarship program, but we hope that’s something we will be able to do,” she said.
A major focus of the MPA is to give the public, and especially young persons, a more positive view of police officers.
“Our officers often see the public on their worst possible day,” Cheatham said. “Our goal is to find a way to make something positive from that contact.”