BEVERLY — There's nothing funny about Chicago Police officers wearing worn-out bulletproof vests.
But there will be plenty to laugh about at a fundraiser set for 8 p.m. Saturday at Christ the King Parish. The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation has brought together several comedians and a local celebrity to raise money for its Get Behind the Vest campaign.
Proceeds from the comedy night fundraiser at 9240 S. Hoyne Ave. in Beverly will be used to replace an estimated 8,000 expired bulletproof vests currently in use by the Chicago Police Department.
“Ald. (Matt) O'Shea and the 19th Ward community have been particularly supportive of this campaign, and we are thankful for every donation,” said Phil Cline, Chicago's former police superintendent and the foundation's executive director.
Indeed, schools, churches and businesses on the Far Southwest Side have rallied behind the cause to raise $4 million to replace the outdated vests. Often these fundraisers are driven by families with loved ones serving with the Police Department.
According to the foundation, the average life span of a bulletproof vest is 5-10 years, and officers are responsible for replacing their own vests at an average cost of about $500.
Full-time police officers receive an annual $1,800 uniform stipend to cover the cost of everything from pants, socks, ties, bullets, guns and vests. But the stipend is often quickly consumed by buying these day-to-day necessities, the foundation claims.
To help offset the cost of a new vest, the latest fundraiser has tapped two-time "Late Show" guest Pat McGann, 2010 Last Comic Standing semifinalist Kevin Bozeman and Zanie's regular Jim Flannigan.
Pat Tomasulo, the sports anchor for the WGN Morning News, is also a performer at Zanies and will appear at the fundraiser, too.
Get Behind the Vest Comedy Night will be held in Christ the King school's gymnasium. Tickets cost $30 each for more information visit www.cpdmemorial.org.
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