CEDAR RAPIDS – As relatives say injured Cedar Rapids police officer Tim Davis' condition is improving, community members are organizing a series of fund raisers to help him and his family.
Events ranging from a benefit dinner to a rock concert will help the Davis family cover expenses.
About a week ago, someone struck Officer Davis on the head, knocking him unconscious after Davis responded to a report of a robbery.
Three teens are in custody. Police believe 17-year-old Jose Rockiett assaulted Davis.
Doctors have been treating the officer's injuries at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Now, the community is trying to provide additional financial and emotional support.
Many of the planned events could attract hundreds, if not thousands of people.
“The family is a very encouraging family. I don't think during this whole thing, the family has ever thought Tim wasn't going to get better,” Cedar Rapids Police Sergeant Cristy Hamblin said.
The Teamster's Hall will host a benefit dinner next week. A few days later, the Grace Baptist Church of Marion will serve up support with a pancake breakfast.
Texas Roadhouse in Cedar Rapids and Coralville will also donate a portion of your bill on a few select nights. The Chrome Horse has a benefit concert planned for next month.
"It's not going to be hard rock, head-banging music. From what I understand, there's going to be some soft-rock, some oldies,” Hamblin said.
Many organizers have strong ties to the police department and have banded together to plan the events.
"A large number of officers were working that night, my husband included. We all heard about it and our stomachs started sinking,” Stephanie Schmidt, a police officer’s wife and an organizer, said.
Instead of sparking anger, officer Davis' injury has prompted people to make sure everyone knows how much support is out there for the police department.
"These are people protecting us. When one of them gets hurt so severely protecting our community, it hits home to everyone. Everyone is coming out and saying, 'I want to help this family,'" Schmidt said.
Police say all the events have helped the family stay positive while they wait for their loved one to recover.
A T-shirt and a wrist-band are also in the works. In addition, Collins Community Credit Union has a special account setup to accept donations for the family.
Officer Tim Davis Benefit Dates and Information April 14, 2009 – The Tim Davis Benefit Dinner will be held at the Teamster’s Hall, 5000 J St SW. The cost is $15. Brats and chili will be served, beginning at 6:00 PM and will continue until the food runs out.
April 18, 2009 – Grace Baptist Church, 1461 East Post Rd, Marion, IA, will be having a Pancake Breakfast. The cakes will be served from 7:30 AM -12:30 PM. The cost is $5 per person.
April 20, 2009 – Texas Roadhouse, 2520 Corridor Way, in Coralville, IA, will donate 10% of the nights proceeds to Officer Tim Davis’ family. This will run from 4:00 – 11:00 PM.
April 27, 2009 – Texas Roadhouse, 2605 Edgewood Rd SW, in Cedar Rapids, will donate 10% of the nights proceeds to Officer Tim Davis’ family. This will run from 4:00 – 10:00 PM.
May 17, 2009 – A benefit concert will be held for Officer Tim Davis at the Chrome Horse Slophouse and Saloon, 1202 2 St SE. Admission will be $10. There will be multiple bands from 2:00-8:00 PM. More information will be coming.
E-mail Mark Geary at Mark.Geary@kcrg.com or follow him on Twitter.
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