CEDAR RAPIDS – About 1300 people attended a benefit dinner for injured Cedar Rapids police officer Tim Davis Tuesday evening. This was the first major public event that reached out to the officer and his family.
Davis is still recovering at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from a serious head injury.
The event raised about $12,000 in cash. Check and credit card donations still need to be tabulated.
As the brats started to brown and the chili simmered, it became clear the community was ready to serve the Davis family a heaping spoonful of help.
"We're a community that sticks together. It's important for him to know as he's doing his job and as he recovers that we're there supporting him,” Cedar Rapids resident Jennifer Bangs said.
Children's cards lined the walls of the dining room. Adults bought official Tim Davis T-shirts. Volunteers kept the line moving.
"Everybody's here for the same cause. It's like you know them, but you don't,” Cedar Rapids resident Guy Bangs said.
Many police, fire and other law enforcement officers brought their families to the event. Some couldn't help but wonder what they would do if a loved one got hurt.
"When something like this does happen, it really does bring it home and you try not to think about it, but it certainly can happen,” Jodi White, a police officer’s wife, said.
Police Officer Charity Hansel said, "This was not an attack on an individual or the police department. This was an attack on Cedar Rapids. To see all the people here supporting Tim Davis and his family, it's just awesome."
Even though the dinner paid tribute to Officer Davis, it also honored everyone else who works in law enforcement.
"When you do the job they do, a lot of times you feel like it's them versus the world. It's not that way. This is showing the community loves them. The community supports them,” organizer Stephanie Schmidt said.
Officer Davis' family will certainly appreciate all the money raised from this event, but the community support is probably even more valuable.
Earlier in the afternoon, Z102.9 sold wrist bands at Lindale Mall to help Officer Davis and his family.
They charged five bucks for each one, but many people gave a lot more money.
"Somebody wrote a check for $500 and took four wrist bands. Two children in car seats each handed me a $100 bill. So, there has been a lot of really incredible people,” Scott Schulte said.
If you'd like to buy an Officer Davis t-shirt, stop by the Cedar Rapids Police Station. They’re ten dollars each.
Wrist bands are available at the following locations: Linn County Sheriff’s Department
Waterloo Fire Department
Waterloo Police Department
Cedar Falls Police Department
Aspen Athletic Club
Collins Community Credit Union (all branches)
Kieck’s
Cedar Valley Outfitters
Upcoming Benefit Dates and Information 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 
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