Hearne benefit fest sets date
‘I’ve heard the stories from various people, and all the stories were about how she had helped these people. The idea began as a scholarship fund, and evolved into a foundation, where we are able to do more.’
Patrick Snead brother of the late Kristen
Snead Hearne
The brother of Det. Kristen Hearne is hoping to get the region involved in establishing a foundation that he hopes will continue to spread the good will his sister had in her life for those she served in Polk County.
Patrick Snead, brother of Det. Hearne, said he established the Det. Kristen Snead Hearne Memorial Foundation to help honor her legacy, and that the first of many fundraising events will take place in Summerville in late March to help get the work started.
He first thought of providing scholarships for students at Cedartown and Rockmart High School, but the foundation’s purpose has since evolved as he worked to get it started.
“I’ve heard the stories from various people, and all the stories were about how she had helped these people,” Snead said. “The idea began as a scholarship fund, and evolved into a foundation, where we are able to do more.”
The Detective Kristen Snead Hearne Memorial Foundation will provide scholarships to seniors at Rockmart High School and Cedartown High School who have the career goal of entering into Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice as one part of its goals.
The foundation will also provide addiction recovery sponsorships and Christmas sponsorships to the children of families who would otherwise be unable to provide Christmas to their family/loved ones. He said additional stories from those who Det. Hearne impacted during her life added to his want to help those who are struggling to overcome personal problems is also a big motivation.
So his hope is the foundation will also help and encourage people in their lives as much as Det. Hearne did with her own work in the community.
To help make it all work and become a success, Snead is organizing two events near his home in Summerville to get the fundraising started.
On March 24, the full day of fundraising events will begin with the Back the Badge festival from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Summerville Civic Center on Highway 48.
The festival is free and open to the public, and will feature a variety of vendors from the tristate area. Vendors will also be providing items to be placed in a silent auction. A DJ and Karaoke will also be available during the event.
Later in the evening, festival- goers can then head over to the Back the Badge Benefit Concert from 6 to 9 p.m. at New Generation Church of God at 11 Kirby St., Summerville.
The concert will feature Summerville’s Just One Band, Heartfelt Ministry of Rome, Kate Watson of Angleton, Texas, and local artists Amber Maxey, Charlie Long, and Shelia Minard.
Donations at the door are being sought as admission to the concert, followed by a love offering for the groups performing during the show.
All funds raised from these events will be used to help fund the foundation’s various planned programs and activities.
Members of the community who wish to volunteer in any aspect to assist at these events are invited to visit the foundation’s website at www. dkshmf. org and fill out the “Get Involved” page. Questions and comments can be directed to the foundation by email to info@dkshmf.org.
Additionally, donations made ahead of the events can be completed by visiting the foundation’s website. People can also visit any area SunTrust Bank location and asking to make a direct donation deposit into the Det. Kristen Snead Hearne Memorial Foundation's account.