Cops and a Cause

Good food, good times, good cause.

Cops and a Cause is a benefit show put on by the Burnsville Police Department each May. This "Cops and Kids" program has recently been recognized as one of the best practices in the nation for the Mayors and Police Chiefs working together for America's Youth. This year's Cops and a Cause is to prevent domestic violence and child abuse. The concerts benefit the Lewis House, a safe haven for those escaping a bad home situation.

The Garage is working in collaboration with the city organizers and will provide the music venue. The Garage is a unique teen center in Burnsville that holds regular concerts and provides activities and programs for area youth.

On May 27, 2008 over 500 teens, cops, musicians and volunteers showed up at the Garage for Cops and a Cause.

It was a great evening to shoot hoops...

...listen to music...

...learn new skills...

...hang with mom...

...dance with friends...

...and eat good food.

There were "seasoned cops..."

...and "cops in training."

Even Mayor Kautz showed up for food and fun.

Valley Natural Foods, Burnsville's only natural food co-op, donated the food. The meat department sent their BEST all-natural hot dogs. Great hot dogs start with great pork. These are made from pastured pigs raised in green grass outside of Elgin, MN. They are smoked the old-fashioned way, not with additives or preservatives. These hot dogs are so good, they "snap" with that first bite.

The produce staff at Valley Natural Foods also put together a batch of their fresh salsa. It was a huge hit.

Whole Grain Milling Company of Welcome, MN donated a case of their locally-grown and produced corn tortilla chips. Perfect with the salsa! Also, Country Choice Organics of Eden, Prairie, MN donated Fit Kids snack cookies. They helped Valley Natural Foods demonstrate that local and organic food can please a crowd.

It can also be healthy which is a top priority to Mayor Kautz. Burnsville is striving to be the healthiest city in America. This fits into the co-op's mission of a healthy community.

At the event, Mayor Kautz discussed the importance of exercise with two teen volunteers.

Cops and a Cause 2008 and was a feel-good event for everybody involved. The Garage will continue to offer concerts and activities throughout the summer. And, of course, Valley Natural Foods will continue to make the best summer hot dogs.