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EUTAWVILLE – The community that former Eutawville police chief Russell Parker served for the past 36 years is coming together on Saturday, July 12, to both honor his years of service and to help raise money for his recent medical retirement.
Organized by a group calling themselves “Friends of the Chief” and being held at the Alpine Restaurant in Eutawville, the event starts at 10 a.m. with a poker run dubbed “Riding for the Chief.”
“The route will cover 75 to 80 miles and will run through local towns and communities, where folks knew the chief well and many would like to salute his tenure,” said Jeff Barnes, proprietor of the Alpine. “Our slogan for the run is ‘Ride What You Drive,’ and that includes mopeds, roller skates – whatever! If folks want to load up a bus for the run, that’s fine, too.”
The first riders will leave at 10 a.m. from the Eutawville Police Department, and the last riders will be counted in at 3 p.m. at the Alpine. The fee of $15 per rider will include a fish dinner. Prizes will also be awarded for winning poker hands drawn by riders.
Non-riders can also enjoy a fish dinner for $6 starting at 11:30 a.m., including to-go plates.
Other highlights of the planned celebration include horseshoes and volleyball at the Alpine’s newly-opened backyard picnic area; an auction featuring merchandise and gift certificates donated by local businesses; a 50/50 drawing (where a pot funded by tickets sold for $1 each will be split between one lucky winner and Parker’s retirement fund); and a raffle drawing for a state-of-the-art Brinkman four-burner gas grill with an additional side burner and working area.
“This beautiful grill is being shown off at businesses throughout town to encourage folks to participate in the drawing,” said Parker’s son, Jerry Parker. “Tickets are available at those local merchants or at the Alpine for $1 each, or six tickets for $5.”
A ceremony is also planned during the celebration for the presentation of a commemorative plaque thanking Parker for his years of service, donated by the Town of Eutawville.
Live entertainment for the event will be provided by Randall Cowert on the keyboard singing beach tunes, country hits, oldies and other crowd favorites from 3 p.m. until the event closes at 8 p.m.
“What I’d like to emphasize is that all net proceeds raised by this event will donated to the chief’s retirement fund; there are no administrative costs,” Barnes said. “It’s taken the contributions of many to get this event rolling, and all in the community are welcomed to join in to make this fund-raiser a rousing success.”
When Parker joined the local police force, retirement benefits were not offered to city employees. This means that Parker, who recently announced his retirement due to medical reasons, faces the combination of a sudden loss of income, lack of retirement pay and rising medical costs.
“I know there are a lot of people who’d like to say thanks to the chief for all he’s done for this town over the years,” Barnes said. “Every little bit helps.”
Examples of the way the public can help include donating food or serving items for the fish dinner.
“Some of the fish has already been donated by local fishermen; more would be welcome,” Barnes said. “Coleslaw, side dishes, condiments, serving trays or paper ware – anything you’ve got to donate, we’ll accept.”
“More prizes or items for auction would be welcome – and if you’ve bought enough tickets for the 50/50 drawing or the raffle, you can just write a check for the chief; we’ll give it right to him,” Barnes said.
“I’ve also seen winners of prizes or the 50/50 drawing turn around and donate it right back,” Barnes said. “That’s totally up to the individual. Any gift from the heart is welcome.”
Plans for more fun are in the works, he said.
“I’m trying to get a dunking booth lined up, where folks can try to soak some of our local police officers,” Barnes said. “That’s sure to be a hit!”
For more information on the retirement celebration plans or ways you can help, contact Jerry Parker at 803-531-2472 or Jeff Barnes at 803-664-2845.
T&D Correspondent Diane Gainer can be reached by e-mail at bcdthinktank@yahoo.com.