Crime Alert Berks County, the No. 1 crime stoppers organization in Pennsylvania, is gearing up for the fourth annual ‘Race Against Crime’ set for Thursday, April 26, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Slick Willy’s Karts & Eats at The Works complex at 1109 Bern Road, Wyomissing.
Admission to the Race Against Crime is free, but donations are encouraged to help Crime Alert defray some costs. The Works will have a special menu that evening. There will also be a cash bar. Entertainment will be provided by Flight Risk, a local cover band.
Chris Nein, Crime Alert vice president and “race director,” is again leading the organization of the event which will include competitions (or heats) among law enforcement officers as well as competitions between fourth- and fifth-grade students, some of whom participated in this year’s poster contest entitled “Friendship Knows No Color.”
The three winners of the contest will be announced at the event and their prizes awarded.
Chief Jeffrey Biehl of the Wyomissing Police Department has recruited more than 60 law enforcement officers to get behind the go-kart wheels. Some members of the Crime Alert board will also be racing.
“The Race for Charity is a great way for Crime Alert and Police officers to give a little something back to the community for all the support we receive throughout the year,” Biehl said.
There will be several heats with approximately seven racers in each heat. The winners of each heat will go on to a final heat. The winner of that final race will receive $1,000 to go to the charity of his or her choice.
“Our annual Crime Alert Race Against Crime combines a fun night at Slick Willy’s with our overall mission to partner with all local police departments in an effort to have criminals arrested in Berks County,” said Rick Periandi, Crime Alert Berks president. “I’m sure all the participants are anxious to ‘show off’ their driving skills.
“Also, our annual George Mack Scholarship winner will be announced and presented with the scholarship for the 2018/2019 school year.”
The two winners of the scholarship will split $2,000.
Throughout the month of May, Crime Alert Berks County is honoring law enforcement officers with its annual Ribbons of Respect campaign. Thousands of blue ribbons have been distributed and are being displayed throughout the county to honor law enforcement professionals. Ribbons will be available at the Race Against Crime event.
