Donations growing for Hearne trust fund
More efforts are underway to continue raising money as upward of $52,000 has been given so far.
Officials at Cherokee Elementary School were the latest to add to the growing tally of funds for Isaac Hearne, the son of Polk County Police Det. Kristen Hearne killed in the line of duty at the end of September.
The school added $1,164 to the overall amount of money raised so far for the three-year-old, which has grown with checks from a variety of sources according to Police Chief Kenny Dodd.
So far, the community has raised around $ 52,000 with more to come, Dodd said.
“Our original goal was $25,000, which we reached just from donations from citizens and Gofund.me. I received a check from an anonymous Florida donor for $25,000 last week as well,” Dodd said. “There’s been donations from citizens, the t-shirt sales and the barbecue sales.”
The outpouring of support for Hearne has come as a great surprise for Dodd, who is thankful for everyone who has taken part.
“Our goal all along was to help Isaac, to make sure that he’s taken care of in the future when he gets out of high school. We’re just humbled by the whole thing, and appreciative of everyone who has so generously donated money to this cause,” Dodd said.
He said that as the funds continue to grow, measures are being taken to ensure that it continues to grow until Isaac turns 18. Dodd said local attorney Wright Gammon is making the arrangements without any charge.
Additionally, a company that manages trust funds will eventually take over and invest the money so it can continue to grow.
Dodd said plans are also being put in place for fundraisers to be held over the years. He also added that those interested in purchasing t-shirts honoring Hearne can still do so through the Polk County Police Department.
Another raffle effort is underway as well to help provide additional funds for Isaac as well, with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office leading the way.
Sheriff Johnny Moats said a friend of his in the Rockmart area donated a signed and framed Deion Sanders Dallas Cowboys jersey - including photos of “Primetime” on the field and authenticity certificates.
Moats said the raffle is taking place at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 16, and the winner will get the jersey, worth around $1,800. He said that Parker Printing provided the raffle tickets for free.
“We’re hoping to raise somewhere around $10,000 for Isaac,” Moats said. “All the money will go to the trust fund.”
Tickets are $10 each, 5 for $45 and 10 for $90, and can be purchased from a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy in the community or by calling Kyle Pinkard with the Sheriff’s Office at 770-546-6699 or the office itself at 770-749-2931.
Additional businesses are also selling tickets, including Allstar Motors, McNabb Tire, Haney Powersports, Day’s Chevrolet in Rockmart, the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and the Hiram Police Department, among others.
Do you have a donation you’re making to Isaac Hearne? Is your organization working on a fundraiser for the trust fund? Let us know at the Standard Journal by calling 770-748-1520 or email kmyrick@npco.com.