In the aftermath of a Sept. 13 killing of a Dade County, Fla. police officer, Gulfstream Park officials announced their decision to host a benefit concert Sept. 28 for two local law enforcement organizations.
Proceeds from the concert, hosted in partnership with the Miami-area radio station Majic 102.7, will go to the Miami-Dade County Police Officers Assistance Trust Inc. (www.poat.org) and the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County (www.bsofoundation.org).
Track President and General Manager Bill Murphy gave the drive a significant head start today with his announcement that Gulfstream Park will donate $20,000 to the two organizations.
Dubbed “COP ROCK 2007, Friday Night HOP (Help Our Police),” the concert will feature Chuck Negron and the Classic Rock All-Stars (www.classicrockallstars.com).
“The idea of a donation came up in one of our staff meetings and, while no amount of money can possibly address the loss these families have suffered, we offer the donation, as well as our thoughts and prayers, as a show of support,” Mr. Murphy said in a press release issued Sept. 20. “And we encourage other local businesses to follow suit.”
Two local law-enforcement officers have been murdered in the line of duty this year: Broward Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Reyka died Aug. 10 and Miami-Dade police officer Jose Somohano was killed Sept. 13.
They were the 14th and 15th South Florida law enforcement officers to be killed in the line of duty the last 20 years.
Chuck Negron was the lead singer of the immensely popular Three Dog Night, a Top 20 hit maker from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. The Classic Rock All-Stars are composed of Mike Pinera, former lead singer of Blue’s Image and Iron Butterfly; Peter Rivera, former drummer and lead singer with Rare Earth; Jerry Corbetta, lead singer of Sugarloaf, and Dennis Noda, guitarist for Cannibal and the Headhunters.
Tickets are $20 for general admission and $100 for a limited reserved-seating package that will include a meet-and-greet session with the performers.
