Fox Lake cancels annual police fundraiser

The Fox Lake Police Department needs equipment and donations, but Police Chief Mike Behan said he doesn't feel right asking people to donate $100 to attend its main fundraiser.

So the department has canceled the annual Fox Lake Police Policeman's Ball, traditionally held each May, and is considering other events to raise money.

"We don't feel right asking people to fork over 100 bucks a plate in this economy," he said. "When the economy turns around, we'll put the ball back on. But right now, we feel this economic decision is the best for everyone."

The ball, which was started by former police chief Bob Trinski Sr. in 1981, normally draws about 400 people and raises $2,000 to $10,000 annually for the police department, Behan said.

That money is used for new equipment and other programs, including "Shop with a Cop," the department's annual Halloween party and bike rodeos, and to help fund the Fox Lake Explorers program.

To replace the event, police officials are considering hosting an invite-only cook out this summer that will feature a pig roast and picnic games, Behan said. People who annually attend the policeman's ball will be invited to the cook out, as will the families of police officers and others associated with the department.

"We are also looking at hosting a golf outing to offset the money we could lose by canceling the policeman's ball," he said. "With these events, people who can donate will, while people who can't afford it now won't have too."

It's unclear when those events will be held.

"It's disheartening to cancel the ball because people really like it," Behan said. "But, when the economy turns around, we'll put the event back on."