Johnston FOP Lodge 16 is teaming up with the Johnston High School band for the annual fundraiser to help send the band to Disney World. In a move to get away from telephone solicitations, the Johnston FOP is holding a cash raffle to spur ticket sales.

“Each year, the proceeds from the raffle benefit many grassroots efforts within the town, as well as support scholarship assistance and inspire young people to consider a life in law enforcement. Each of us in Lodge 16, whether active or retired, remains committed to give back to our community, through financial support, advocacy, education and other initiatives that benefit the people and organizations of the town,” said Dave DeTora, president of FOP Lodge 16. “This lodge has been very proactive in the past year, as we move to get our message and our dedication to serve out to the people of Johnston.”

The organization recently instituted an interactive Web site – www.johnstonfop.org – and is building an e-mail list to better communicate more efficiently with the public.

“I encourage you to visit the Web site and sign up for our e-mails,” said DeTora.

The cash raffle drawing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, at the Kelly-Gazzero Post, 1418 Plainfield Pike. The raffle will include prizes totaling $6,500, with a top prize of $5,000.

“All those who purchased a ticket or wish to purchase a ticket are welcome for hot dogs, hamburgers and All-American fare,” said DeTora. “Don’t miss out on a chance to win some cash and have a good old fashioned family day. The raffle and the cookout will be a blast.”

The lodge and the band have worked out an arrangement that will benefit the spring trip to Disney World. Half of the ticket sales made by band members for the October cash raffle will go directly to the fundraising efforts for the Disney trip. For example, if you purchase an FOP cash raffle ticket from a JHS band member for $10, $5 of that ticket sale will go to help send JHS school band to Disney.

Members of the Johnston Schools Music Association, as well as band members, have also been holding additional fundraisers for the trip, which they hope to schedule for April vacation.

“It’s a huge trip and an expensive one, which is why the music association is trying to help out as much as possible,” said association President Diane Larsh.

The group set up an information booth at the recent North Central Chamber of Commerce Apple Festival, selling hand-knotted fleece blankets and baked goods to raise funds. Someone offered Larsh the loan of a Mickey Mouse costume, which the students took turn wearing and walked around the festival, offered to pose for photos for a donation.

Larsh recalled when her daughter, a graduate of the high school and former band member, took a similar trip to Disney about three years ago. Larsh hopes with the current economy that the students will be able to raise enough money to make the trip to Disney in April.

For more info, visit www.johnstonfop.org or send an e-mail to info@johnstonfop.org.