Local group reaches out to families of law enforcement in need
The local group Back the Badge Yuba-sutter reached out to families of local law enforcement who are in need this holiday season, including those affected by the Camp Fire.
“What most people don’t realize is that (law enforcement personnel) still have to work while they are dealing with tragedy,” said Julie Gill Shuffield, a Back the Badge board member. “They are expected to be there to help, but they are still people too.”
Members of the group created “angel tags” listing items needed by more than 120 families that the organization will be providing gifts for this year. The tags were then placed on Christmas trees at the nine law enforcement agencies that Back the Badge Yubasutter works with.
Law enforcement personnel delivered the gifts requested on each tag to a Sunday event – Back the Badge Yuba-sutter had their second annual “A Morning with Santa’s Helpers.”
The organization hosts a variety of fundraising events in the community throughout the year, but this event was specifically for law enforcement families. The morning included breakfast for families as well as face painting, crafts and a bounce house for kids.
There was also a K-9 officer demonstration.
The donated gift items were wrapped and given to Santa to be delivered.
“Law enforcement is a very giving community,” said Stacy Runyen, president of Back the Badge Yuba-sutter.
In addition to the presents, Back the Badge Yuba-sutter was able to raise $15,000 through donations designated solely to law enforcement personnel affected by the Camp Fire. The organization has been working with the Chico and Paradise is an instrument that is not offered, Bertsch will make arrangements to make it happen. Lessons are available for all ages, from elementary students to retirees.
“I love watching the faces light up when they get their first instrument or play their first chord,” Bertsch said.
“Once a musician can play, they need a place to showcase their skills,” he said.
The cafe has a fully equipped stage complete with a $250,000 sound and light set up.
Bertsch will often turn on all of the lights and have those taking lessons play on the stage, regardless of skill level. The cafe hosts event nights,
For more information about Back the Badge Yuba-sutter, to donate or get involved, visit their Facebook page or email them at Ysbackthebadge@hotmail.com.
police departments, as well as the California Highway Patrol in Oroville to get the funds to the law enforcement personnel.
Shuffield said she understands first hand the struggles that those affected by the Camp Fire are dealing with, having lost everything due to a fire in the past.
Like Shuffield, many of the Back the Badge board members know first hand the challenges faced by as well. Local bands frequent the cafe, playing a variety of shows. Later this month, there will be a show featuring local bands all playing a compilation of acoustic Christmas songs.
Once a week, the cafe hosts an open mic night.
The cafe will also be hosting its first recital this month, featuring students of all skill levels who wish to participate.
“Once a musician can make music, they need recording space to make CDS,” Bertsch said.
The music cafe has a fully functional recording studio. Bertsch teaches sound recording and sound production classes on site as well. This space can also be used for showcases,
law enforcement families. That inspired them to reach out and create the non-profit organization.
Through their fundraising efforts, Back the Badge Yuba-sutter generates funds designated for the line- of-duty death, injury or illness of law enforcement personnel in the area. The group consists of law enforcement families, as well as interested community members. promotions, CD release parties and music video shoots.
The creative process can be long and consuming but musicians (and their parents), still need to eat. To help with this, the cafe offers coffee, iced tea and soda for a caffeine jolt as well as snacks, pizza and ice cream. Bertsch said he would like to expand the cafe in the future to provide some sort of lunch items.
He would also like to bring in local musicians to play while people are eating.
Bertsch said that he has received overwhelming support from the community as well as the neighboring brick and mortar stores. Main number .................... Steve Miller ......................
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