Red, White, and Back the Blue

Red, White, and Back the Blue Celebrates Second Year Fundraising for Fallen Officers

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

In the tumultuous year of 2020, Lisa Campos’ father asked if she could do something to honor law enforcement. Lisa stepped up to the challenge. Using her expertise as the founder of the non-profit Investigation Station, she reached out to the community. She partnered with Pasco Backs the Blue, a local non-profit organization created in 2020 to show local law enforcement agencies that the residents of Pasco County support their sheriff’s office and police departments.

On October 17, 2020, the fundraising rally, “Red, White, and Back the Blue,” was born. (October 17 was the day of the event itself. The idea was “born” in July, about eight weeks before the event took place.)

Gill Dawg, a waterfront dining, recreation, and entertainment hub, was one of the first to answer their call, followed by a slew of other businesses eager to sponsor and honor those who put their lives at risk every day to protect their community. The event was kicked off by Congressman Gus Bilirakis praising and thanking dedicated law enforcement officers. Nearly 2,000 guests attended to offer support, fundraise, and enjoy live music, food, and drink. By the close of the rally, between sponsorships and guest purchases and donations, $11,000 was raised for the Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial and Benefit Foundation.

Now, in its second year, the “Red, White and Back the Blue” event is returning, hosted by Investigation Station and Pasco Backs the Blue on October 16 at Gill Dawg in Port Richey from 2 – 10 PM.

For a $10 ticket, the concert event and fundraiser feature(s) guest speakers, live music, food, drink, and raffle baskets. Featured musicians include country singer, Patrick Gibson, joined by local bands, The Bearded Brothers, and the Journey tribute band (Never) Stop Believin’.

Lisa said, “It’s going to be an afternoon-long festival of music, raffles, and vendors at Gill Dawg. All proceeds raised will go to Investigation Station and the Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial and Benefit Foundation. Pasco County is the (only) county (left) in the state of Florida that doesn’t have a memorial for its fallen officers.”

The Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial and Benefit Foundation has been working to build a memorial for Pasco, to recognize law enforcement officers hurt or killed in the line of duty. Once the memorial has been completed, all remaining and future funds will help such officers and their families with financial burdens.

Lisa’s non-profit, Investigation Station, creates free interactive exhibits for children and their caregivers in Pasco County. With three public exhibits under their belt, (one of) their upcoming project(s) reflects patriotism - an exhibition of the history of flags of the US and Florida.

If a business wants to donate a basket for their raffle or a bottle of wine for their spirits table, the opportunity to be showcased as part of the 2nd annual event is still available.

“Include your business card, and we’ll make sure you get recognition for your donation.”

Corporate Sponsorships are also available in amounts of $100 to $2,500, with different benefits attached to each level. Vendors can participate for as little as $50.

“Last year, everyone had a really good time, and they were so generous with not only with their time coming

out to support the cause but with their money. So many people gave donations and bought our ‘In Pasco, We Support the Blue’ tee shirts. It was a beautiful event. The sponsors, the volunteers, the bands, and the crowds that came to support the event – it was an awesome event,” said Lisa. “The audience should expect to feel a sense of pride, respect for our fallen law enforcement officers. The day will be filled with some nice speakers at the beginning and live music all evening long. The venue is covered, so it should not put a damper on our event even if it rains because the pavilion is enormous. I can’t wait for this year.”

Red, White, and Back the Blue is Saturday, October 16, at Gill Dawg, 5419 Treadway Dr., Port Richey, from 2 PM to 10 PM. To learn more information, register for tickets, or become a sponsor or raffle donator, visit pascobackstheblue.com.