FUND RAISING

02-14-2005

North Central Washington Fraternal Order of Police Washington Lodge #17

PRESS RELEASE

The North Central Washington Fraternal Order of Police is currently seeking donations for a local soldier from Chelan, who was injured while serving in Iraq.

Sergeant Michael Buyas, member of the US Army, Fort Lewis Stryker Unit,1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, was injured while patrolling a dangerous Iraqi road in his Stryker vehicle. A large explosion from an I.E.D. occurred below his vehicle and threw Sgt. Buyas from the vehicle. As a result of the explosion, Sgt. Buyas lost his left leg above the knee and his right leg mid calf. His arms were also injured but have since healed.

Sgt. Buyas has a wife, Carrie and 3 boys, ages 8 and under, they all live in Chelan. In addition to the terrible financial burden resulting from Mike’s disabling injuries, the Buyas’ residence is in need of significant repair.

Our lodge was recently contacted by a local service club member, who told us that carpenters visited the Buyas residence to install a wheelchair ramp and wider door. They found that the walls of the residence were literally, too rotted from water damage to complete the work.

The members of the Fraternal Order of Police believe that it is our duty to assist the Buyas family in any way that we can. As a result, a series of fund raising activities are planned.

Thanks to the generosity of the KPQ Home Show, we have been provided with a booth at the home show to raise funds for the Buyas Family. In addition to fund raising activities, there will be a variety of police related displays and information presented at the display. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue unit has teamed up with our efforts and will also staff the booth. They will also provide interesting information on their unit’s activities.

Additionally, the North Central Washington Fraternal Order of Police has set up the, “N.C.W. - F.O.P. Mike Buyas Benefit Fund”, to assist the Buyas family. (yes, we need a shorter name)

Donations can be made directly to:

North Central Credit Union
N.C.W. - F.O.P. Mike Buyas Benefit Fund
P.O. Box 3343
Wenatchee, WA. 98807-3343
(Donations may also be made at any North Central Credit Union branch)
(501c3 account info available through the State F.O.P.)

The Fraternal Order of Police was founded in 1915 in Pittsburg Pennsylvania. It is the nation’s largest law enforcement organization. There are now over 300,000 members in more than 2000 local lodges. Wenatchee Lodge #17 was formed in 1999, there are now more than 60 members of the lodge who come from all local law enforcement agencies in Chelan and Douglas Counties (both Sheriff LaRoche and Sheriff Harum are lodge members). The NCWFOP is not a labor union. We are registered with the United States government as a non-profit organization. We primarily help law enforcement officers who are in need of various forms of assistance.

Additional information may be obtained on our web site: www.ncwfop.org

Thank you,
Officer Dan Dieringer (East Wenatchee Police)
President, North Central Washington Fraternal Order of Police
Washington Lodge #17
president@ncwfop.org

The Fraternal Order of Police has learned of an additional way to help the Mike Buyas fundraising drive for those who enjoy concerts.  Although the F.O.P. is not a sponsor of this event, the promoter has told us that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the NCW-FOP Mike Buyas fund. 

There will be a “Tribute Artist” show of classic rock & roll, at the Wenatchee Bank of America Performing Arts Center, with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to the F.O.P. Lodge #17, to benefit Mike Buyas. The event is presented by Sharon Olson of Sharrick Promotions, featuring “Elvis”, Roy Orbison, and Neil Diamond. There will be two showings; 1st showing at 6 pm to 8 pm; 2nd showing at 9 pm to 11 pm. Reserved seating. Tickets available at the Performing Arts Center Box Office, M-F 12:00 to 5:30, or by phone 509.663.ARTS (2787). Advance tickets: $25, at the door $30. A special block of tickets also available by calling Sharon at 670-9261 (while they last) or sharonolson10@msn.com.

More about the concert can be viewed here. CONCERT INFO 

Lodge members wishing to attend the concert can also contact lodge secretary, Bill Redfield at wredfield@ncwfop.org for ticket information.

If you have any ideas for fund raising projects for the lodge, contact Sec. Redfield at secretary@ncwfop.org.