Kelsey Klont
Contributing Writer

(Photo provided)

Backing the Blue Michigan is a local organization that gives back to police departments across the state.

In 2017 Backing the Blue Michigan, a nonprofit organization, was started by Jennifer Keller, a local resident who wanted to help local police departments and fallen officers’ families with fundraiser dinners and galas.

After the organization started Backing the Blue Michigan was bringing support to police departments then the COVID pandemic happened and had to stop operations. Soon after that Keller had to take a step back and now Jeffrey and Nicole Christensen are continuing the organization. The Christensens have expanded the program to offer fundraising to 12 departments across the state, also including scholarship opportunities for fallen officers’ children.
The mission statement of Backing the Blue Michigan is to “embrace the opportunity to make a difference for the law enforcement community. We are a growing organization that has big plans for our future and the intent and success of our mission throughout Michigan.”

On Saturday, April 27, Backing the Blue will be holding their first event since the COVID pandemic, consisting of a $10,000 reverse raffle as well as a live and silent auction. The funds that are raised at this annual event will go towards the City of Charlotte Police Department to receive a K9 unit and part will be put towards building scholarships for children of fallen officiers. The scholarship is for any child who has post secondary plans whether that is college, trade school, or anything in between. Hosts for the fundraiser event will be David Andrews, WILX 10 and Travis Hicks, FOX 47.

This event will become an annual fundraiser for Backing the Blue Michigan, specifically for the Charlotte Police Department.

This year it will be held at the Eaton County Fairgrounds in Kardel Hall, located at 1025 S. Cochran in Charlotte. Tickets are still available and can be found online, www.backingthebluemichigan.com. You can also visit Backing the Blue Michigan at the Eaton County Expo happening April 20-21, also at the fairgrounds. Contact Backing the Blue Michigan on Facebook or call Nicole at 517-588-9920.