After a 47-year hiatus Turlockers will once again have the opportunity to dance the night away at the Turlock Policeman’s Ball.Planned as a fund raising event for the Turlock Police Association’s Widows and Orphans benefit fund, the ball will be 50s themed in homage to the first policeman’s ball. Guests are encouraged to come in 50s attire or in formal wear.The return of a night of dinner and dancing is finding an appreciative audience in Turlock, said Allison Martin, president of the Widows and Orphans board.“People and companies have been coming out of the woodwork to offer their help in any way they can, because they support the cause behind it,” Martin said.The Widows and Orphans benefit fund aims to assist the active employees of the police department and their families if a calamity happens to befall them. It was established in 1951, two years after three Turlock police officers were killed in a vehicle accident with a train. 1951 was also the same year that the first policeman’s ball was held and it was an annual event until 1963. This year’s gala will pick up where the last one left off, which is why it has been dubbed the 13th annual, despite the 47 year gap.The idea to bring the policeman’s ball back came when Lori House, the vice president of the Widows and Orphans board came across an old photo from one of the balls. House brought the idea to the board and when it wasn’t immediately jumped upon, her diligence didn’t waiver.“I just kept at it and eventually it just kind of blossomed,” House said.The policeman’s ball has been set for Sept. 11 with a no-host cocktail hour starting at 6 p.m. A buffet dinner will follow at 7 p.m. Dancing starts and 8 p.m. and will continue until 10 p.m. Music will resemble the USO concerts of old with a performance by the 191st Army Band. The night will also feature a raffle and a silent auction. The festivities will be held at the Larsa Banquet Hall in Denair. Tickets are $40.“It’s going to be a whirlwind of a night,” Martin said.To order tickets call House at 664-7374 or Martin at 664-7348.To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.
Police fund raising event returns after 47-year absence
