Columbia Police Foundation back up and running, new leader says

After suspending fundraising briefly, the Columbia Police Department Foundation is back up and running.

Tim Goldman, who took over as foundation president in February, said the foundation’s status as a nonprofit is secure after some problems required reorganization. “In two weeks, I got everything back together,” Goldman said. “It’s almost like nothing ever happened.”

The foundation suspended fundraising Feb. 11 and resumed March 2, Goldman said. Though the last two years netted $5,000 annually, he is aiming much higher.

He hopes a golf tournament in October will raise $50,000 and parking cars during University of South Carolina football games in the fall will net between $30,000 and $40,000.

Though the foundation is not governed by law enforcement leaders, it works to provide things the department doesn’t have such as bulletproof vests for police dogs.

“The Columbia Police Foundation is an integral part of the life and success of the police department,” Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook said. “The CPF invites community stakeholders to support our mission while aiding officers and proactive policing programs. The new Foundation board is moving full steam ahead for CPD and will be transparent in accomplishing new and improved goals.”

The foundation also helped some Columbia officers attend the Michigan funeral of late officer Stacy Case, who died in a November crash with a University of South Carolina policeman in the Vista.

Melron Kelly, deputy chief of police, said the foundation “has been a great asset to us.”

As the foundation moves forward, Goldman said it is aiming to help not only police officers but also others through youth programs and sports.

“The future is bright and we’re going to have some fun and do some great things in the community,” Goldman said.

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This story was originally published April 11, 2016 at 5:16 PM with the headline "Columbia Police Foundation back up and running, new leader says."