Proceeds from restaurants on 821 Day to help fund Officer Houston Memo

Mesquite, Texas - To honor the memory of fallen Mesquite Police Officer Richard Houston II, the Mesquite Police Association (MPA) Charities has created 821 Day, a campaign that will take place on Aug. 21, Dallas Metro News reported.

Named after Officer Houston’s badge number, on 821 Day participating area restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds to help pay for signage on a designated section of Interstate 635 as the Officer Richard Houston II Memorial Highway.

“We believe that 821 Day is a small way that we can all come together to honor Officer Houston's memory and support his family,” said MPA Charities President Officer Bruce Sales.

“Our goal is to have the signage installed by the second anniversary date of his end of watch, which is Dec. 3. We are extremely grateful for each and every donation.”

Officer Houston was slain in the line of duty in 2021. MPA Charites collaborated with Texas State Rep. Victoria Neave to write legislation to have part of Interstate 635 in Mesquite named for Officer Houston. The measure passed unanimously and on June 10, Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 975 into law designating the roadway. The law takes effect on Sept. 1.

The signage will be manufactured and installed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) but the markers themselves must be purchased by the community. MPA Charities has raised approximately $16,000 toward the estimate of $40,500 for the signs.

To see a list of participating restaurants and to make donations, visit www.mpacharities.com/821Day.

Credit: Dallas Metro News