Cops and Community for Kids in Crisis

GREENWICH, CT - It was more than a packed house at the Sundown Saloon Thursday night — and all for a good cause.

In its continuing effort to engage the Greenwich community, the Greenwich Police Silver Shield Association organized a fundraiser for Kids in Crisis, the Cos Cob children’s shelter that has served not only Greenwich but families from throughout the state since 1978. The shelter is facing a financial crisis — specifically, a $750,000 shortfall in state funding. The state announced earlier this year that it was cutting funding stating there wasn’t a need for state-funded beds for area children who need shelter because of an emergency family situation.

To help minimize that funding shortfall, the Silver Shield Association held a ‘Tips 4 Kids’ night at the popular Greenwich Avenue eatery. Hundreds of supporters filled the restaurant, drinking, knoshing, buying raffle tickets and leaving tips for Greenwich Police officers who served as waiters and bartenders.

On Friday, Silver Shield President Sgt. Timothy Hilderbrand said at least $6,500 was raised for Kids in Crisis. The evening was supposed to run from 6 to 9 p.m. But supporters started lining up at 5:45 p.m. and the donations flowed as freely as the beer until closing at 1 a.m., according to Hilderbrand.

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“The turnout is absolutely fantastic. Right from the jump, this was a success,” Hilderbrand said above the pulsating music provided by DJ Anthony. “We want to increase awareness (of the agency services and financial situation) and give them as much money as we can,” he added.

“Everyone is circling the wagons and giving what they can,” Hilderbrand said.

Greenwich residents Carole and Bob Russell took a break from their burgers to explain, “This is a much needed service in the community and people don’t understand there are problems in Greenwich and that people can help.”

Bob Russell added, “Kids are our future. Unfortunately, in the town of Greenwich, there is a lot of pressure; a lot of problems. Kids are lightning rods. If they need help, I think the community is responsible to help with that. I am really disappointed with the state cutting off the funding.”

Police officer Alex Testani, who helped to recruit local businesses to make donations while patrolling his beat in town, said, “This spreads awareness. It’s beneficial to the community to see that they can do things like this with us. We’re not just a uniform … It’s an example of how close we are working with our community.”

Testani, who joined the force in September 2013, added, “This is what I imagined doing when I signed up.”

As part of its community engagement program, the SSA has installed basketball nets and played ball with kids from local housing projects, hosted Coffee with a Cop and has begun mentoring programs with students at Western Middle School.

Photos: Barbara Heins.