The recipient of the 14th annual Hamilton County Peace Officers Association — HCPOA — golf benefit, dinner and auction was the Give Blue Hope organization.

The event was held Saturday, July 19, at the Briggs Woods Golf Club and the Convention Center.

Give Blue Hope is based out of Papillion, Nebraska, and provides needed funds to the immediate family of a law enforcement officer, corrections officer or first responder who has been assaulted and has lost their life protecting and serving the communities that they live and work in.

After a short rain delay, the day’s activities began with HCPOA President Rod Hicok thanking the crowd and introducing Curtis DeBerg, founder, president and CEO of Give Blue Hope. DeBerg served 34 years as a first responder, law enforcement and corrections officer until injuries forced him into an early retirement.

He established Give Blue Hope in 2022 to help families with their immediate needs following the loss of their loved one.

He shared personal reasons how this endeavor means so much to the families, emphasizing the importance of lifting them up and helping in any way. This program really demonstrates to families that others care.

The first donation grant to the families has always been within a few days of the tragedy. The first donation was in 2023 and since that time the organization has awarded 19 families with a check for $15,000 each.

DeBerg then introduced Tiffany Yant. Yant became involved in the organization when her father, Ross Bartlett, a law enforcement and fire department officer from Ceresco, Nebraska, was killed in the line of duty. She saw the difference the organization made first-hand and decided this was a way that she could give back to others.

Yant is now the administrative assistant and Family Outreach coordinator.

Hicock then introduced a special guest, Kathy Smith, the surviving spouse of Iowa State Patrol Officer Jim Smith who was murdered in the line of duty in 2021.

Hicok then announced that Give Blue Hope was going to donate one third of all proceeds of the day to the Smith family to be used in several memorial projects that have already begun to honor Jim Smith’s memory and his involvement in church and youth activities.

Several gifts were also presented to Yant and Smith by HCPOA Chaplain Bruce Green.

The day’s events then proceeded to the golf course where golfers from around the state enjoyed a day of golf. The evening meal of pork chops with all the trimmings was served followed by a raffle and live auction items.