By Kev Moyé
News-Times Staff
EL DORADO – In an effort to provide continual assistance for individuals dealing with a hardship, a local law enforcement coalition will present a special event this evening.
The El Dorado Police Officer’s Organization will face the Arkansas Razorback Alumni in an exhibition basketball game. The contest will take place at Wildcat Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 o’clock.
Funds raised during the event will aid a wide variety of people, according to El Dorado Police Department Narcotics C.A.D. Captain, Charlie Phillips.
“The proceeds are going to the El Dorado Police Officer’s Organization. With our organization, we help to sponsor the Cops for Kids program among other programs as well. For example, the Special Olympics Bowl-A-Thon, we cook for the participants,” he stated. “So some of the funds will go toward that. Other funds will go to officers who may have a difficulty of some kind and we’ll support them by providing assistance.”
Upon being notified about the possibility of a benefit game taking place, Phillips and his colleagues worked with Arkansas Sports & Events Marketing to make sure it materialized.
“I was contacted about doing the fund-raiser, so we came to an agreement on it. They would provide Razorback alumni to compete against a team we’d put together,” Phillips said. “Prior to our game, we’ll also have some local teams competing. The doors will open at 4:30. The first game will be from 5-5:45. The second game will begin at 6 o’clock with the Razorback alumni facing the team we put together.”
Gaylon Boshears is affiliated with Arkansas Sports & Events Marketing.
Among the tenets of the organization, is to promote gatherings that feature former Razorback athletes working alongside first responders for charitable purposes.
“We organize the events from start to finish,” Boshears said. “We do the booking of the Razorbacks, booking the gym, handling all the public relations, selling tickets, sponsorship, we pretty much do everything from A-to-Z for the police officers as they’re busy with their normal duties.”
Boshears likes the collection of former Razorbacks who are slated to partake in tonight’s contest.
Junction City graduates Byran Jones and Alan Turner will be joined by a quality cast of former Razorbacks.
“Cobi Hamilton a wide receiver, Brandon Barnett a running back, Elston Forte a linebacker, Van Stuben a fullback, Dennis Johnson a running back, and there are others who may be coming,” Boshears stated. “It takes a lot of effort because of where these players live.”
Seeing the fans interact with former Razorbacks, and knowing that the hard work is for a worthy cause, makes everything worthwhile, Boshears stated.
“It’s a lot of fun for all of us,” he said. “The further we get from Fayetteville, many people don’t get to regularly see the Razorbacks because the towns are further away from the University of Arkansas.”
Phillips – who is president of the El Dorado Police Officer’s Organization – is excited about the series of games scheduled for this evening. But he’s most enthusiastic about the steady financial support provided by the residents of South Arkansas.
“One great thing about this community is the people always support, especially the Cops for Kids Program. We’ve been able to take 40 to 50 kids Christmas shopping. To have the people come out and support this basketball game (is important).” he said. “The people have been very supportive and have put a lot of money behind it. It’s going well right now for us.”
What exactly is Phillips expecting from the festivities?
“A good time. A lot of fun. We’ve put together a team that’s going to give them a run for their money. We’re not just going to let them come down here and run all over us,” he answered. “We’ve put a pretty good team together. We’re going to try and give them a run for their money. But it’s going to be fun. It’s about the kids.”
Boshears wants to see a vast crowd tonight at Wildcat Arena.
“It’s important to help the police officer’s organization for the Cops for Kids program (for example),” Boshears stated. “It’s a great program for underprivileged kids in and around El Dorado. We’d love people to come out and support.
“I hope I get to see everyone. It’s going to be a good time.”
Admission is $10 for adults. For students it’s $5. Kids 12 and under get in free.
If you desire to donate to the El Dorado Police Officer’s Organization throughout the year, address donations to Phillips or Lieutenant Cathy Phillips at the El Dorado Police Department at 402 North West Avenue. Make attention to El Dorado Police Officer’s Organization or EPOO.