Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
When they heard about the shooting death of Fox Lake Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, a Morton Grove police officer and firefighter said they had to do something to honor the slain officer and support his grieving family.
A pancake breakfast and raffle fundraiser held Saturday morning at the American Legion Memorial Civic Center, which was organized by Morton Grove police officer Nick Hoffman and firefighter John Abbetiello, generated $6,200 in proceeds, all of which will given to Gliniewicz’s family, said Paul Yaras, Morton Grove police commander.
In a week, Hoffman and Abbetiello gathered a slew of sponsors, both businesses and individuals to provide food, supplies, labor and whatever else was needed to make the breakfast and raffle a success.
“We’ve had a lot of help from the community,” Abbatiello said. Some of the biggest sponsors of the event included Catering by Michaels, Kappy’s Restaurant and Pancake House, CVS and Produce World, in addition to donations from community members, Yaras said.
Hoffman said he feared what those responsible for Gliniewicz’s death were capable of doing the same to someone else. Hoffman said Gliniewicz’s family is welcome to use the fundraiser proceeds “for anything they need financially.” But perhaps more importantly, he said, the event serves as a demonstration of support.
