'Thank a Cop' fund-raiser will help fund Teen Night activities

From left: Committee members Al Johnson and Lauren Jerr, RPBA President Nicole Rodler, Recreation Department Supervisor Art Jacobs, and committee member Tanya Lee Hervey. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Rochester Police Chief Paul Toussaint said a recent contribution to the Rochester Police Benevolent Association will help them fund more Teen Night activities in their work with city youth.
On Dec. 4, the Rochester Thank a Cop Committee presented the RPBA with a $500 donation that will benefit the program. The donation was presented by committee members Lauren Jerr, coordinator of Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) at Spaulding High School, and Tanya Lee Hervey of Tanya Lee Hervey Photography.
The money was raised earlier this year through the Thank a Cop Committee's "Paint the City Blue" campaign, with residents and businesses purchasing ribbons, blue lights and yard signs expressing support for law enforcement.
Through that campaign, the Thank a Cop Committee distributed 300 yard signs, 500 blue bows and 100 window decals throughout the city.
With the support of the Thank a Cop Committee, the RPBA has already purchased a Teen Night banner, which participants displayed during the city's Holiday Parade. The rest of the money raised will go directly toward supporting Teen Night activities.
"On behalf of the whole department, the RPBA wishes to thank every member of the community who supported this effort earlier this fall and made this donation possible," Rochester Police Juvenile Division Coordinator and RPBA President Nicole Rodler said. "We're looking forward to continuing our support of Teen Night and the important work of engaging our city's youth."
Teen Nights are held on the first Saturday of the month from October through May, and offer middle and high school students in Rochester an opportunity to take part in activities like sports, music and crafts, and enjoy free pizza.