Loveable Mascot Lends A Paw for Worthy Fundraising Effort
Charlie T. RiverDog, the loveable mascot of the Charleston RiverDogs, participated in a 24-hour running and walking fundraiser for a memorial wall to honor 49 South Carolina Highway patrolmen killed in the line of duty that has raised more money than expected.
The Fallen Troopers Memorial Run, a 24-hour, 100-mile run/walk at Charleston Southern University held Oct. 5-6, raised more than $30,000, according to Lance Cpl. Bob Beres, the trooper who spearheaded the effort.
The initial goal was $20,000.
“As a community-minded organization, the Charleston RiverDogs – and Charlie T. RiverDog, in particular – are eager to assist whenever possible,” said General Manager Dave Echols. “Our mantra of ‘Be Your Own Fan’ works both ways as we listen to our fans and respond to their needs. It was our pleasure to have Charlie T. RiverDog participate in this worthy fundraiser.”
“I think I can safely speak on behalf of the troopers and families of fallen troopers who participated by saying that this was a touching and meaningful event for all involved,” Beres said. “I learned a long time ago that if you want to go fast, you go alone, and if you want to go far, you go together. Well, we did this together and shattered our original goal that we needed to build this wall.”
The addition money will go toward maintenance and upkeep, possible lighting and landscaping, Beres said.
A granite memorial wall bearing the troopers’ names will be erected at the S.C. Highway Patrol’s headquarters in Blythewood.
At least three of the names on the wall will be of local patrolmen: Cpl. Richard Varn Woods, Trooper First Class Bruce Smalls and Lance Cpl. Mark Coates. All three were killed in the line of duty by drivers of vehicles they had pulled over.