Crime Stoppers raid Roaring Twenties fundraiser
Event and mock raid nets Crime Stoppers $1,800
TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
On August 5, 36 people attended the Roaring Twenties Crime Stoppers fundraiser at Helene’s Barn Cellar. With the venue decorated in 1920’s style, prohibition era signs at the entrance, and about 80 percent of attendees dressed in 1920’s garb, attendees turned back time nearly 100 years for a little fun and fundraising. Just as the evening kicked off, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Andrew Schmidt (in attendance and dressed like a 1920’s gangster) “announced that the speakeasy was being raided and everyone in attendance was under arrest!” Crime Stoppers President Ken Neff said.
Neff reiterated that, of course there would be a raid! Because this was a Crime Stoppers dinner … and Crime Stoppers exists to stop all crime, including those committed at a speakeasy during prohibition!
The fun continued with Merrill’s own “Mr. Crime Stopper,” Elroy “Heinie” Lemke, in attendance outfitted in his black and white jailbird jumpsuit. His mock “escape from the law” ended quickly and he was apprehended along with the rest of the attendees during the “raid.”
In addition to a delicious dinner and drinks, attendees enjoyed the theme, the fun, and viewing a “Thompson submachine gun provided by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s office,” Neff said. “People were able to have photographs taken in their 20’s era clothing with the weapon. It was a big hit.”
The event netted Crime Stoppers about $1,800. Not a bad take for a 1920’s-era raid!