Wednesday, August 6, 2025–7:30 p.m.
-Staff reports-
Later this month, you can lace up those running shoes for a good cause.
The Diamond and Donuts 5K is a fundraiser for Christmas with a Cop.
It will be on Saturday, August 30 at AdventHealth Stadium.
“Fundraising has been slow this year, so we are out there beating the bushes to try to bring out some interest,” said Chris Fincher with the Coosa Calley Lodge 14 of the Fraternal Order of Police. “We are looking to spread the word because it’s a very important fundraiser that we do as an FOP, but also important to me to do. It’s my favorite part of Christmas.”
According to Fincher, there will be something special for the top 5K finishers.
“The top winners of that are going to participate in a one-mile competitive run at the end of a Rome Emperor’s ballgame,” he said. “That will be during the last home series of the year for the Emperors. We’ve got VIP packages. Some of those packages include a buffet dinner/picnic at the game. One package has one free ticket, and the other has two tickets.”
Christmas with a Cop normally serves 75 to 80 kids each year.
“I’d like to see that number go up to 100, I really would,” Fincher said. “Each kid gets $200, and that is a lot for a kid just shopping for toys. The gratitude that the kids show in their eyes and their expressions—they are so thankful. A lot of times they buy gifts for their family—their brothers, mothers, and fathers.”
You can get more information here.
