The Smyrna Public Safety Foundation in\u00a02025\u00a0surpassed 2024\u2019s fundraising total by roughly 30% and its\u00a02025\u00a0projections by 6%, capping the best year in its more than 15-year history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The foundation also increased participation in its Shop With a Hero event, which began more than 20 years ago, by nearly 22%, achieving two goals: serving at least 100 students and helping students at both the elementary and middle school levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause of this banner year, we were able to have an even greater impact in the Smyrna community,\u201d Smyrna Public Safety Foundation Executive Director Denise Czarnik said. \u201cOur work would not be possible without the generosity of the community, and their support truly shows that Smyrna supports public safety.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Smyrna Public Safety Foundation capped its action-oriented year with its annual Shop With a Hero initiative, which began more than 20 years ago and connects area students in need with first responders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe wouldn\u2019t be as successful as we were last year without the support of the community,\u201d said Paul Powers, president of Powers Electrical Solutions and Smyrna Public Safety Foundation board chair. \u201cWhile we\u2019re excited about the opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments, we know that our work is never done, and we\u2019re excited to engage the community in the new year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Smyrna Public Safety Foundation was established in 2009 as a non-profit to support the professional and community endeavors of Smyrna\u2019s public safety agencies. This foundation also promotes and recognizes the efforts of Smyrna public safety employees in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Smyrna Public Safety Foundation is invaluable to our mission, and we are deeply grateful for all it does to support our firefighters and the broader public safety community,\u201d Smyrna Fire Chief Brian Marcos said. \u201cWe are often called to serve people on some of the most difficult days of their lives, but knowing this community stands behind us provides the encouragement and strength we need to remain focused, compassionate and at our very best.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Smyrna Public Safety Foundation\u2019s initiatives include its Benevolence Fund, which helps first responders pay\u00a0for unexpected expenses, and free counseling sessions\u00a0for\u00a0first responders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKnowing that this community has our back makes a meaningful difference every time our officers respond to a call,\u201d Smyrna Police Chief Keith Zgonc said. \u201cThe work we do is often challenging and demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. The continued support we receive from our residents and partners like the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation strengthens our commitment to serve and helps make Smyrna an even better place to live and work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To build community, the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation raises money as a series of community events, including a gala in March, a golf tournament in April and Jazz Under the Gazebo in November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSmyrna, Georgia, is a special place, and we have the best first responders anywhere in the country. The Smyrna Public Safety Foundation serves a critical role in supporting these exceptional men and women who protect us every day,\u201d Mayor Derek Norton said. \u201cWe can\u2019t thank the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation enough for the hard work they put in every day to both support and connect the community with our Fire, Police, and EMT personnel, and to make sure those who are protecting the citizens of Smyrna know that they are appreciated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Smyrna Public Safety Foundation\u2019s next fundraising event is its gala on March 5. To buy tickets, visit https:\/\/e.givesmart.com\/events\/MR7\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n