Published: November 17, 2009 09:40 pm      

Shop with a Cop boosted by Jack’s donation

Jack’s $7,100 contribution largest FOP has received

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 99 received its single largest Shop with a Cop donation to date Tuesday courtesy of a fundraiser held by Jack’s — a sports bar located at 3308 Plaza Drive in New Albany.

Jack’s co-owner Jason Langness handed Mayor Doug England a check for $7,100 as New Albany Police Department Sgt. Julie Condra — chairwoman of the Shop with a Cop effort for the city FOP — looked on with admiration.

“This will take care of half of the kids this year,” she said.

Each December, the Shop with a Cop program treats needy New Albany children to a $200 shopping spree at Walmart. Condra said 55 to 60 kids will take part this year.

Jack’s founder, Jack Langness, organized a charity auction with wine and bourbon tastings held in October where the $7,100 was raised. He said it was the first year for the event, and he plans on making it bigger next year in hopes of donating even more.

“We’re already working with some distributors for projects for next year,” he said. “It’s for the kids.”

With the economy down, the need for programs like Shop with a Cop will be high this December said NAPD officer Dickie Posley.

“Many parents don’t have jobs this year, so it’s a big deal,” he said.

England made a purchase and donation at Jack’s auction to go toward the cause. He said it’s admirable that a local business stepped up and organized a fundraiser in the name of charity.

“Nobody approached him on it, Jack did it on his own,” England said.

Shop with a Cop raises money throughout the year for the shopping spree. Its primary fundraiser is the Car and Motorcycle Show usually held in June.

Ralph Hines, officer in the NAPD traffic division, organizes the car show and was on hand Tuesday for the Jack’s donation. He said the FOP lodge is grateful for the kind of support demonstrated by the people that purchased items at the Jack’s auction.

“Any money that we don’t spend goes directly into [the Shop with a Cop] account and nothing else,” he said.