The Bellevue Police Foundation hosted its very successful annual golf tournament at The Golf Club at Newcastle on August 20th. Despite a slightly wet and chilly morning, 144 golfers gathered to tee off in support of the Bellevue Police Department for the third year in a row.

 

The mood was festive as golfers checked in, teams registered for fun course games, and participants enjoyed a warm cup of clam chowder courtesy of Pike Place Chowder and lunch from Dave & Busters. Bellevue Police Officers were proud to give tours of the crisis response vehicle, the bomb squad vehicle, and other special equipment provided through foundation grants. Just prior to tee time, one lucky golfer won a mega-putt contest, and the Seahawks Dancers put in a special appearance.  

 

This year’s fundraiser was the most successful to date, due in part to the addition of the first ever silent auction benefiting Bellevue PD. “Our raffle prizes are always a hit with the golfers, and the silent auction was a big addition. The silent auction alone brought in over $11,000,” said Villette Nolon, President and Executive Director of the Bellevue Police Foundation.

 

After a fun day on the course, golfers were treated to a dinner banquet and awards ceremony where Chief of Police Wendell Shirley addressed the group, saying, “The success of the Bellevue Police Foundation’s golf tournament is evidence of the generous support from residents across the Eastside. The $90,000 raised last week is impressive, and this investment will be used to help Bellevue Officers and staff receive the special equipment and training that’s needed to maintain this community as a safe place to live, work, and visit.”

 

Founded in 2007 by a group of local community leaders, the Bellevue Police Foundation has granted over $1.5 million to fund the Bellevue Police K9 unit, National Recruiting Program, Officer Wellness Program, many community engagement programs, and innovative technology purchases that improve department capabilities. In addition to receiving community support from generous donors throughout the year, the Bellevue Police Foundation holds its golf tournament in the summer, and an annual breakfast every spring. The breakfast is in its 16th year, and hosts over 300 people annually.

 

“We are very fortunate to live in a community that shows such great support for our men and women in law enforcement. We recognize the dedication and personal sacrifices officers make for the safety and security of our community and we want them to have the best tools to do their jobs,” Nolon added as the festivities came to a close.