2018 Community Partner of the Month Awards

Jennifer Wypasek has been a longtime supporter of the Cleveland Police Foundation, Cleveland Cops for Kids and numerous other law enforcement organizations. Jen is also part of a dedicated team that helps organize our Cops for Kids fundraisers, not only by donating her time but also contributing financially to conduct these important events. As a result of Jen’s participation and devotion to our cause her daughter, Alayah, has also volunteered her time to each fundraiser and has provided excellent suggestions to improve the events.

It is because of her incredible commitment to the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Division of Police and the entire community that the Cleveland Police Foundation proudly announces that Jennifer Wypasek is the recipient of the Community Partner of the Month for May 2018.

Dan Blazy has been a tremendous partner and advocate for the Cleveland Police Foundation and the community for many years. Dan sells tickets and financially supports the Cleveland Police Foundation’s charitable events. He has pitched in to help us secure our future home of the Derek Owens Memorial Park by placing boulders around the border to keep illegal dumpers off the property. When the West Denison Baseball League’s season was in jeopardy due to the condition of the Thrush Park’s baseball diamonds, Dan volunteered his time and equipment to make the diamonds ready for the kids. Dan has also donated truckloads of pumpkins to Bellaire-Puritas Development for the kids on Halloween. He gives toys, Christmas trees and his time to help with our Second and First District Christmas parties for families and children in need.

When asked about Dan Blazy, the CPF Liaison Officer Captain Keith Sulzer stated, “There is nothing Dan and his fiancée Celeste would not do in order to help the Cleveland Division of Police help those in need in our community. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of recognition than Dan Blazy.”

It is because of this dedication and devotion to the community that the Cleveland Police Foundation bestows upon Dan Blazy its Community Partner of the Month for April 2018.

When Lisa Fox’s son, Mark Zarefoss, became a Cleveland Police officer, Lisa immediately jumped in to help the Cleveland Police Foundation and Cops for Kids. She has sold countless tickets, donated to our many causes, and has solicited donations and gift baskets for our charity fundraisers. The Cleveland Police Foundation and Cops for Kids needs funds to create positive interactions with our community in order to bridge the gap between the police and the community, and Lisa has been a staunch supporter of our mission.

The Cleveland Police Foundation proudly announces that the recipient of our Community Partner of the Month for March 2018 is Lisa Fox. Congratulations Lisa, and thank you for supporting our community!

Captain Keith Sulzer, Alice Wegrocki, Rose Roy, Bob Guttu

Alice Wegrocki and Rose Roy have been tireless volunteers for the Cleveland Police Foundation for the last four years and are always available to help at a moment’s notice. Whether it is cooking pancakes for senior citizens or grilling hot dogs at community events there is nothing these two devoted individuals won’t do to help bring the police together with the community. Both Alice and Rose make it a point to attend nearly every Cops for Kids event or CPF fundraiser, where their duties include setting up, taking down, and running the event,  and they are ever supporting it financially. It is because of the dedication and selflessness of these two individuals that the Cleveland Police Foundation is able to actively fulfill our mission of ensuring safety to our neighborhoods and strengthening the bond between members of the Cleveland Division of Police and the residents they serve.

The Cleveland Police Foundation proudly announces that the recipients of our Community Partner of the Month for February 2018 are Alice Wegrocki and Rose Roy.

Mike Duda, owner of Sports Focus Sporting Goods, 6659 Pearl Rd. #103, has been an incredible partner and donor to the Cleveland Police Foundation over the last several years.  Mike has donated thousands of dollars in new clothing and sports equipment to the Foundation for distribution by Cleveland Police officers throughout the city.  This has enabled us to help our recreation centers and local sports leagues with football and baseball equipment and uniforms, and people who are homeless and needy with much appreciated warm winter clothing.  Mike provided hundreds of pairs of socks to refugee students at Thomas Jefferson International Academy, many of whom came to this country with little or no cold weather clothing.

As Mike puts it, “I started donating to the Cops and Kids program over 20 years ago [and now have the] opportunity to expand the type of donations I can provide.  I trust the Cleveland Police Foundation and Captain Sulzer to distribute to those with the greatest need.  I live in the city of Cleveland and strengthening the bonds between the Cleveland Police and our community is important to all of us.  I encourage others to help as they can.”

For his devotion to the community and the CPF we are honored to bestow upon Mike Duda the Community Partner of the Month for January 2018.