Bulletproof Vest Fund-Raiser Planned

A benefit to raise money for bulletproof vests needed by the Wills Point Police Department has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, at 7 p.m.

The Gallery of the Arts, a new business moving to Wills Point, will present SounZalive for Bulletproof Vests at the Wills Point High School commons area. The concert will feature cover bands that feature the music of artists such as James Taylor, Jim Croce and the Eagles, as well as blues, Bob Wills and country artists.

Dan Fogel, who along with his wife Mary owns The Gallery of the Arts, will emcee the event. The Fogel’s, who will have a grand opening for The Gallery of the Arts in December (located at 130 W.N. Commerce), got involved after speaking with chamber president Karen Samples.

"Part of the Gallery’s vision is to do benefits to raise money for noteworthy causes," Dan Fogel said. "I asked Karen about possible needs in the community, and the first thing she said was bulletproof vests for the police. Mary has a son that is a police officer in Kansas, and we thought this is the perfect thing for us to get involved in."

Business sponsors for the event include Wills Point Chevrolet, Wills Point Mobil and Brookshire’s. Wills Point High School Crime Stoppers will assist with the concert.

"The vests that we have are obsolete, and we have some officers without a vest," said police chief Scott Johnson. "They’re very expensive, and it’s a need that we have."

Bulletproof vests cost $600-$800.

Tickets for the concert are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and children under 5 get in free. Tickets are available at Wills Point High School, the chamber of commerce, Hwy 80 Mitchell Oil, Brookshires and the city of Wills Point.