LAPD Holds Bike Race Fundraiser for Retired LAPD Officer Kristina Ripatti-Pearce NA10113ah

May 6, 2010

Severely Injured Officer is Shining Example of Determination and Accomplishment

What:              
BBQ fundraiser to assist retired LAPD Officer Kristina Ripatti-Pearce who was partially disabled by a suspect’s gunfire while on duty in June 2006.  
 
When:       
May 12, 2010
10 a.m.- 8 p.m.
               
Where:       
Southwest Community Police Station
1546 West Martin Luther King Boulevard
Los Angeles 90062
 
Who:          
Retired LAPD Officer Kristina Ripatti-Pearce
LAPD Southwest Division Officers
Members of Operation Progress

Why:                   
To raise funds for retired LAPD Officer Kristina Ripatti-Pearce for her participation in the Race Across America (RAAM) as part of a four-member relay team.  Ripatti-Pearce agreed to be the team’s captain and race on her hand cycle alongside three other able-bodied cyclists in a challenge to ride 3,000 miles across 14 states within the official time of 216 hours or less than nine days.  Proceeds from the race will benefit a charity started by a group of Southeast Division officers to provide scholarships for inner city youths.  

The race is scheduled to begin on June 12, 2010, in Oceanside, Calif., and will end in Annapolis, Md.  RAAM is the nation’s longest running and transcontinental bicycle race.   

At the fundraiser, hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, coleslaw and drinks will be sold for $5 per plate.  A raffle will also be held with prizes of:

2 USC football tickets
A Cybex ARC trainer
A flat-screen TV and
A trip to Palm Springs

Raffle winners will be announced at 6 p.m. on June 5 at the Shark’s Cove Sports Bar in Hermosa Beach, Calif.