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LONGWOOD, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - They're rocking out at Post Time Lounge in Longwood for a cause: raising money for wounded Orlando Police Officer Kevin Valencia.
“We need to support our men and women in uniform,” said Kathy Willis, an event organizer.
Willis and Karen Lazer were so moved by Valencia’s sacrifice that they organized the fundraiser for him and his family.
“When I saw Meghan Valencia on TV,” Lazer said, “my heart went out to her because I'm a single mom and can't imagine these little boys without their father.”
Valencia was responding to a domestic violence call on June 11. Gary Lindsey shot Valencia through a door during a deadly standoff. Lindsey had killed four children and later killed himself. Doctors have been treating Valencia at an Atlanta hospital.
“He is fighting every second and I need him to keep fighting,” Meghan Valencia said.
Organizers say every little bit helps. “Every dollar counts towards the medical needs of Officer Valencia as well as transportation costs for his wife Megan and whatever their needs are, right now,” Lazer said.
They're asking for a suggested donation of ten dollars at the door, and they're holding a silent auction to raise money. Several law enforcement agencies are also taking part, including the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Melissa Schuck said they stand with Valencia. They've also changed their protocols in the light of what happened to him.
“Domestic violence incidents are some of the most dangerous for law enforcement,” Schuck said, “we've got a lot of things going through our minds and we're mandating we go two to call for those, to keep ourselves safe.”
They hope to raise upwards of ten thousand dollars. After the fundraiser, people can continue to contribute to Valencia and his family on their a Go Fund Me account.