For the second year in a row, the Racine County Sheriff’s Office provided its staff a chance to grow some facial hair for a good cause.
Starting in October, over 60 deputies and corrections officers gave a donation to the Women’s Resource Center in Racine in order to grow a beard, which is normally prohibited. The minimum to donate was $75, but some gave more.
Earlier this month, the sheriff’s office provided the center a check for $4,700.
“Our deputies, corrections officers and support staff wanted to do something special for the community again this year,” says Sheriff Christopher Schmaling. “I know that your needs are endless. The cause and the victims are real.”
“Women’s Resource Center board, staff, and the those we serve are sincerely grateful for the $4,700 donation and the ongoing support from the Racine County Sheriff’s Office,” says Executive Director Pam Handrow. “Domestic violence is always a challenge to those it impacts, but COVID 19 has required many adjustments and innovations. This contribution will help assure that we reach victims even in a virtual environment. We look forward to working together to end domestic violence.”
The donation will go towards a number of expenses, including the purchase of cable and Wi-Fi internet that will help people at the center with school, work and job searches.
Unlike last year where the fundraising ended, Sheriff Schmaling says it will continue into the new year. Members who want to continue to grow a beard or facial hair can make a new donation, which will be given to the Racine Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin. “The professionalism, ethics and empathy I’ve witnessed in our veterans is second to none. Veterans are a group of highly trained professionals who proudly served our country and now proudly serve our county. I couldn’t be more proud to have our veterans as part of our sheriff’s office team.”
This fundraiser will run through the end of March. This means April Fool’s Day 2021 may be the first time some deputies and corrections officers have their first shave in six months.
