The officers of the Valparaiso Police Department raised money for the G.R.E.A.T. program through the "Tip-A-Cop" fundraiser held at Kelsey’s on March 14. G.R.E.A.T., or Gang Resistance Education and Training, is a program designed for seventh graders in the Valparaiso Community Schools District. The program is run by Sergeant Steve Jackson and Sergeant Mike Grennes, who teach the importance of being a responsible member of the community.
"The best part about teaching the G.R.E.A.T. program for me is being able to be in the classroom, just talking to the kids and helping them make good choices is my favorite part,” Jackson said. "There are lots of very specific hands on activities that we do in the classroom that help, prepare and teach kids to make good decisions and to become good citizens. That’s the goal, to help everyone make good decisions and stay out of trouble.”
During the G.R.E.A.T. fundraiser, a select number of officers from the Valparaiso Police Department are given the opportunity to collect tips from tables they have been assigned to be a waiter for. Last year at the “Tip-A-Cop” fundraiser, the G.R.E.A.T. program raised over $2,500. All tips collected by the officers go straight into running the G.R.E.A.T. program, which is solely funded by donations and fundraisers like "Tip-A-Cop." The officers involved in the G.R.E.A.T. program are very appreciative of Kelsey’s for allowing them to raise funds for the program, and for supporting the wonderful program that continually is successful in helping kids grow responsibly.