Families of the Fallen Oakland Police Officers Supported Today!
July 18, 2009 by Jim Walberg · 2 Comments
An army of volunteers hosted a Pancake Breakfast today at the Alamo Women’s Club in support of the four families that were left behind after the shooting deaths of four Oakland Police Officers last March in their line of duty. It is important for all of us to never forget the contribution that law enforcements makes each day to keep our freedoms safe.
It was such a pleasure to see so many Realtors working side by side in hosting the Pancake Breakfast at the Alamo Women’s Club today in support of four amazing families. As you remember, last March four Oakland police officers were gunned down during the attempted arrest of a wanted criminal. It was the worst day in the history of the Oakland Police Department.
The four officers were laid to rest at a standing room only memorial service at Oracle Arena. There were representatives from law enforcement from across American in attendance. A huge challenge of this type of tragedy is what happens after everyone goes back to their homes. The four families and friends connected to these four deaths are still here and need the communities support – both emotionally and financially.
With this in mind, the Keller Williams Realty – Danville office and the Alamo Women’s Club decide to mobilize their community and see what difference they could make in the quality of the lives of these four families. Corinne Barlow was the keeper of the vision for this fundraiser, and she enlisted twenty or more Realtors to assist with the production and donations required for such a venture as a community pancake breakfast. There were times during the months of planning that it may not happen. Money is tight today for everyone, so finding the “nickels, dimes and quarters” required was a challenge. AND, Corinne and her team pulled it off.
Today there were hundreds of people that showed up for breakfast. But, instead of paying the suggested donation of $6 per person, people were handing over $20 bills per ticket. There 
was plenty of food, but the generosity of the community was the part that was so heartfelt. There were strangers who saw our directional signs. There were friends of the families, There were Realtors stopping by to lend their support. There was a group on their Harley motorcycles from the Patriot Guard led by Dan Gross. There was a candidate who is running for District Attorney of Contra Costa County – Elle Falahat. They just kept coming. Thousands of dollars were collected to donate to the Oakland Police Department Memorial Fund.
There were several of the family members of these four heroic officers who shared the morning with us. They are the ones left behind, and it was a true honor to sit with them and learn about how their lives are unfolding – still there are holes in each of their hearts that will not ever go away. However, their task is to now create the most healthy, and loving lives possible for those left behind. There is still so much more support that is needed. If you would like to make a donation to “OPD Memorial Fund” mail your checks to 760 Camino Ramon Ste 200, Attn: Keller Williams Cares Committee, Danville, California 94526. Until next time…your East Bay lifestyle reporter remains on duty.
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Filed Under: Blog, Community Events, Giving Back, News
Tagged: alamo womens club, elle falahat, Jim Walberg, Keller Williams-Danville, oakland police department, patriot guard
What a wonderful experience it was to be a part of! Mountains can be moved if people put the hearts and minds to it as a collaborative effort.
Hey Arturo, thanks so much for all of your help with this project. You are correct…mountains can be moved by just a few committed people. I look forward to our next time serving community needs.