Seasonal & Holidays
Westminster police support breast cancer research
Westminster Police Department took over Magic Mike's Pizza restaurant to raise awareness, funds for breast cancer research.
By Lou Ponsi
Pizza, Police, and Pink Patches. The quartet of words sounds catchy for sure.
But more importantly, Pizza, Police and Pink Patches is the name of the most recent fundraising campaign organized by the Westminster Police Officers’ Association. Officers, professional staff and police Explorers took over Magic Mike’s Pizza restaurant on Garden Grove Boulevard on Oct. 18, wearing the Westminster Police Department pink shoulder patches officers wear during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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Magic Mike’s customers could purchase the patches for $10, with the department donating 100 percent of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation. Customers also purchased pink key tags and pins for $5.
“It’s a great opportunity for the police department to mingle with the public,” Westminster Police Chief Darin Lenyi said.
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Magic Mike’s owner Mike Keating also donated 20 percent of the sales for the time the department was there. The event raised $1,400 between merchandise sales and the portion donated by the restaurant.
“We are here to help (the police) in any way we can,” Keating said. “They are here to protect us.”
Commander Scott Gump oversaw the event and Kellee Wells, property and evidence technician, was in charge of selling the patches. Sandra McClure, owner of the Baskin Robbins ice cream shop in Westminster, hosted a Cops and Robbins event at her shop earlier in the year and made it a point to show up for the Pizza, Police and Pink Patches event.
“The connection to the community is important,” said McClure, who is a breast cancer survivor.
Westminster resident Jessica Lostaunau and her husband showed up for dinner at Magic Mike’s that day specifically to participate in the fundraiser. Lostaunau also attended the Tip-a-Cop fundraiser for the Special Olympics that was held at Lazy Dog Restaurant with the Westminster Police Department in August.
“They are supporting worthy causes,” Lostaunau said of the police. “Plus, they are great people. It is enjoyable just to talk to them when they are around.”
For more photos, visit Behind the Badge.
