UK Happenings

UKPD, Raising Cane's Hold Fundraiser for UK Honor Flight

photo of UK Police officers and Raising Cane's personnel
UK Police Partner with Raising Cane's for fundraiser supporting the UK Honor Flight.

Lexington, Ky. (April 27, 2017) — The University of Kentucky Police Department has partnered with Raising Cane’s to host a fundraiser from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday, April 28, at Raising Cane’s at 544 S. Upper Street in Lexington.  The event will support the first university-sponsored Honor Flight, and UK Police officers will be on site at Raising Cane's to raise awareness for the program that honors veterans.

The University of Kentucky Honor Flight will send veterans and their accompanying friends and family members, known as "guardians" on an all-expenses paid trip to visit the memorials dedicated to veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War in Washington, D.C. May 20, 2017, which is also Armed Forces Day.

“Our hope is to raise enough money to sponsor one veteran and their guardian for the first UK sponsored Honor Flight to thank them for their service to this country,” said UK Police Chief Joe Monroe. “This is our chance to give back to these veterans for the sacrifices that they have made to sustain our freedom.”

Raising Cane’s will donate 15 percent of the proceeds from the 544 S. Upper Street location to the UK Honor Flight on behalf of patrons who mention the fundraiser while ordering during the event.  

“Giving back and being an active community partner is what Cane's is all about,” said Justin Joy, general manager. “What better way to give back to the community than to honor those who have sacrificed so much to help keep our country safe?” 

Multiple charitable gifts are making this one-day trip possible for UK-affiliated veterans and their guardians. UK is sponsoring its inaugural Honor Flight for alumni and retirees who have served and veteran family members of current faculty and staff.

“We are making every effort to ensure that this flight is a special event for our honored veterans but also stands out as one that has been embraced by the entire campus community,” said Anthony Dotson, director of the UK Veterans Resource Center.

Giving back to the community is nothing new for University of Kentucky Police officers. They have been instrumental in keeping the UK campus safe and are actively involved in the community from their participation in FUSION, Adopt-A-Cop and other fundraising events throughout the year. UK Police officers have raised over $4,500 for Special Olympics this year alone.

Additionally, the UK Police Department will honor veterans at Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport on May 20, for their Honor Flight farewell and welcome home. Members of UK Police Department’s Honor Guard will present colors and escort veterans to the runway. UKPD will also bring motorcycles and patrol vehicles to light up the event.

“The University of Kentucky Police Department epitomizes the results that we were hoping for with this project,” Dotson said.

For more information on the UK Honor Flight or to make a donation, please visit http://www.uky.edu/honorflight/