CHARACTER COUNTS

Numerous donations, show of support highlight Holiday Heroes event

Dec 13, 2017, 10:08 PM | Updated: Dec 14, 2017, 11:12 am

(Arizona Sports Photo)...

(Arizona Sports Photo)

(Arizona Sports Photo)

Arizona’s first responders were on the minds of many during Burns and Gambo’s Holiday Heroes event, thanking them for their dedication and service.

Donations were made to benefit the 100 Club of Arizona, which provides assistance for first responders across the state and their families. Listeners of 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s Burns & Gambo donated both in person and by text, and were given a chance to win a signed jersey with a donation of $20 or more.

Along with listeners, several Valley businesses and organizations donated at the event held at Grand Canyon University Golf Course, where Burns and Gambo held a special eight hour broadcast.

Special guests joined Burns and Gambo on air periodically throughout the day, including former police officer Bill Weigt, Arizona Department of Public Safety Director Col. Frank Milstead, and Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams along with her son and Phoenix Suns forward Alan Williams.

Jeri & Alan Williams

Thank you to the Phoenix Suns' Alan Williams (aka Big Sauce) and his mom, the Phoenix Chief of Police, Jeri Williams (aka mom sauce) for joining Burns & Gambo today for our #HolidayHeroesAZ event!You can donate to the 100 Club of Arizona by texting 100Hero to 41444. If you donate at least $20, you can win an autographed jersey from the Just Sports Jersey Wall!

Posted by Arizona Sports on Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Growing up with a parent involved in law enforcement was a unique experience and at times filled with worry, the younger Williams admitted.

“Growing up as a kid it’s a cool thing to be able to say your mom is a police officer when you are bragging to your friends,” he said. “There were nights or times when I would be afraid for her. Just frustrated when she had to leave us in the middle of the night and times like that.

“She is a great person and I think does her job really well, too.”

Like others with family members in law enforcement, Williams explained the benefits of having the support of the 100 Club of Arizona knowing the dangers his mother faced on a daily basis.

“It’s huge to have the support of an organization, of a charity like the 100 Club being a first responder’s son,” he said. “Knowing that they have your back, it gives you a little relief. It gives you a good piece of mind to know that if something were to happen, there is an organization that is designated to helping those in need in these situations.”

The 100 Club of Arizona has been helping families of Arizona’s first responders since 1968. For more information and to become a supporter, visit the organization’s website.

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