Working Women of Tampa Bay will donate all proceeds from this year's Birthday Bash to the T.E.A.R.S Foundation. If you would like to donate a product/service/gift certificate, please email workingwomenoftb@aol.com.
Here is more on this wonderful cause....
In the early hours of June 29, 2010, Tampa Police Officer Jeff Kocab and his Zone Partner were murdered during a routine traffic stop. This tragedy brought with it many mixed emotions--sorrow, anger, frustration, fear, etc. It was truly a "roller coaster" ride. Five months later, after contacting various support organizations and finding no resources for parents and siblings of fallen officers, the T.E.A.R.S. Foundation was formed.
The T.E.A.R.S Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization and was founded by Sandra Kocab (mother of Fallen Officer) and Stephanie Kocab (sister of Fallen officer) in January 2011. These two amazing and strong woman somehow found away to turn their grief and tragedy into helping others. The foundation will help provide funds for Extended Family Members of Florida Fallen Officers to attend National Police Memorial Week in Washington D.C. each May to honor and pay respect to their loved one lost in the line of duty. They have also recently taken the foundation to higher levels as well. The Kocab Ladies and The T.E.A.R.S. Foundation are joining hands with Law Enforcement Agencies all across Western and Central Florida to help educate the young youth of today on respect when it comes to our men and woman in uniform. The foundation believes that we need to help educate our communities in a whole in order to try our best to stop all the tragic murders on the true heroes that serve and protect us daily.
This past May, both ladies had the chance to attend the Services and Ceremonies in Washington D.C. They have already made in very clear that they will be returning next year and every year to follow. They found a sense of peace with Jeff at the Wall of Fallen Officers, a feeling they have yet to find anywhere else since they lost him almost one year ago. They say it is hard to explain, that is just the inner peace they found within. Sandy and Stephanie where able to attend classes and support groups there as well and had the opportunity to meet other mothers and siblings that experienced the same tragic loss they did. Both feel that it is of the utmost importance for all that suffer the sudden tragic loss of a fallen officer be able to attend and join all others from all across America in services, ceremonies, candle light visuals and prayer as one at our Nations Capital.
Published By: Kristin Vogt-Wilson of It's Your Home Trinity Magazine/Topaz Marketing Group, Inc.
