This is the flier on tables at last night's fundraiser.
I feel like I got to know Tampa Police Officer Jeff Kocab a little bit after last night’s fundraiser for his family at the Ponderosa Restaurant on Lansing’s southside. Kocab was murdered last week during what should have been a routine traffic stop with his wife being nine months pregnant.
The Ponderosa on South Cedar Street was where Jeff worked for several years and where he met his wife. After she became a teacher, they moved to Florida where he became a police officer.
Our waiter last night was Paul Halloran is a young guy who grew up working working at the restaurant owned by his dad. Jeff had been his best friend. He took a few minutes to share his relationship with Jeff and his wife Sara.
We left with touched hearts for how the young Kocabs had affected the people they served and the people they worked with. It was extraordinary.
Paul said that the restaurant was filled with many staffers who were donating their time to help raise money for their friends and for a young mom whose child will never see his or her dad.
That Ponderosa seemed filled with a special group of people, the owner, the workers and the hundreds who came out to eat and have the total proceeds given to the family.
Jeff Kocab left a real legacy with his wife and child, his friends and all the other people he touched.
I’m glad we went. I feel like I got more than I gave.
Were you there? Your impressions? I invite you to leave a comment.
Local media coverage of the Kocab fundraiser:
