2nd Annual Pasco County Law Enforcement Family Fun Day
The Second Annual Law Enforcement Officers Family Fun Day presented by Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins, P. A. and a long list of local business sponsors (see side bar) was held at the FOP Lodge #29 on Saturday, April 25th.
Nearly 500 meals were served by Hungry Harry’s BBQ and over 675 people passed through the gate to attend this event which is intended to thank Pasco County’s Law Enforcement Officers and their families for their service to our community.
The focus on family fun included a visit from three characters from the movie, Frozen. Olaf, Elsa and Anna were a huge hit and many pictures were taken! Pony rides, face painting, balloons, water slide, bouncy houses, etc. were among the many activities to entertain little and big kids. Door prizes of a week’s get-away at a vacation condo near Disney donated by the Laportes and a gas grille from Lowe’s were special surprises. Adams Arms, an Odessa weapons manufacturer, donated a brand new AR-15 which was raffled for almost $1,100.00.
The Sheriff’s Office had a SWAT vehicle, motorcycle and helicopter on display for the kids to get their pictures taken on. A K-9 demonstration wowed the crowd as they saw the dogs in action. The Sheriff’s Mounted Posse also had their horses there. Before the event ended, a memorial and celebration of life was held through a balloon release in honor of Trooper Chelsea Richard, who was killed in May 2014 in the line of duty. After Amazing Grace was played to a tearful crowd by Bagpiper, Robert Larcom, Trooper Richard’s 5-year old son, Clayton, directed the release of the balloons with a big “GO!”
Similar to last year, after the expenses for this event are taken care of, the remaining funds are donated to the Pasco Fallen Officer Memorial and Benefit Foundation. Pasco is the only county in Florida with no permanent memorial dedicated to its Fallen Officers. (See below for full details).
With all the controversy that surrounds law enforcement in our country these days, it is important to remember that these dedicated men and women put their lives on the line every day in service to our community to keep us safe and secure.
Now we begin the plans for the 3rd Annual LEO Family Fun Day! Anyone interested in sponsoring this event with us can call our office.
PREMIER SPONSOR:
Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins, P.A.
GOLD SPONSORS:
Bichler, Kelley, Oliver & Longo, P.A.
Arndrea Laporte, Wells Fargo Advisors
HCA Medical Center of Trinity/Regional
Medical Center Bayonet Point
Rasmussen College
SILVER SPONSORS:
Christian Brothers/Land O’ Lakes
Brad’s Bail Bonds
Tim Holladay/State Farm
Copperstone Executive Suites
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Lowe’s/Land O’ Lakes
Coastal Rental Center
Ierna’s Heating & Cooling
Point to Point Printing
OurTownFla.com
RealReach Marketing
Lane Business Consulting
FOP Lodge #29
Boy Scout Troop 33
Dippin’ Dots/Land O’ Lakes
Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ
GEM Princess
In The Community
LMW Presents Check To The Pasco County Fallen Officer Memorial Fund
The second annual Pasco County Law Enforcement Officer Family Fun Day led by attorney Craig Laporte, of Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins, P.A., and sponsored by many local Pasco businesses, was held on April 25th at the FOP Lodge in Land O’ Lakes. Pictures and a list of our sponsors can be viewed at: www.LEOfunday.com. Over 650 Law Enforcement Officers and their families attended.
On Wednesday, June 17th, awards and recognition were presented to the Pasco individuals and businesses who supported the LEO Family Fun Day. The balance of the proceeds raised from the event made possible the donation of $6,528.40, presented by Craig Laporte to the Pasco Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial and Benefit Foundation.
Thanks and appreciation to those who helped organize, sponsor, manage, contribute, plan, attend or otherwise help with this event. We look forward to next year!
Rap River Run
Once again, Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins, P.A. were sponsors for the Rap River Run held at Sims Park in New Port Richey on June 13th. This year’s run enjoyed a record turn out for the 8th annual event fund raiser. Many of the staff and their family members participated in the race.
The Run away Alternatives Project (RAP) House is located in New Port Richey and is open to youths ages 10-17 who are runaway, homeless or in need of a short-term out of home respite placement for any reason. The RAP House also provides emergency shelter placement due to abuse and/or neglect and for youth in foster care who have experienced a disruption in their foster placement. Shelter services are provided for up to fourteen days.
The excellent turn out for the run shows the community’s support for the RAP’s care for young people who need their services.
Summer Intern Adds Spirit At LMW
Brendan Gorman is currently an intern with Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins, P.A. In seventh grade Brendan was awarded the Take Stock in Children Scholarship, and through that, he was able to attend Saint Leo University. After attending for three years, he graduated from Saint Leo with a 3.84 g.p.a. He then enrolled in Barry University School of Law in Orlando, and has been attending there since 2013.
At Barry University he is in the top 10% of his class, is a member of the Law Review, and serves as a research assistant for two professors. Last summer, he interned with Judge Stanley Mills, an esteemed jurist with whom he gained invaluable experience.
Brendan is currently entering his final year at Barry University and is looking forward to taking the Bar exam next July.
Based on what he has learned through Take Stock in Children and his experiences as a legal intern, he also wants to give back to the community in any way possible, including becoming a mentor with Take Stock. He is appreciative of the opportunity to intern with Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins, P.A. and will use the knowledge and experience he has gained to help clients in the future.