Businessmen combine interest for nonprofit to support Columbus police officers

To show appreciation to the Columbus Police Department, Chaplain Paul Voorhees Ministries Inc. served almost 700 traditional meals to police officers, their families and retirees on Friday.

The day started with about 200 meals for breakfast and continued with another 500 for lunch with ham, turkey, dressing and all the trimmings with a Christmas dinner.

The event was the first appreciation from a new nonprofit organization, Back Columbus Blue, co-founded by Voorhees and Jed Harris, both Columbus business owners.

Voorhees, a longtime supporter of law enforcement and soldiers, said he teamed up with Harris three months ago to host the event.

"To be able to serve those that serve is priceless," said Voorhees, owner of Ranger Joe's on Victory Drive. "We wanted them to have a few minutes of joy, peace and fellowship with one another for a nice Christmas meal. That was our goal."

Harris said the nonprofit organization is less than six months old. The group's goal is to expand to include the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office, Muscogee County Marshal's Office, Columbus Department of Fire & Emergency Medical Services.

"In view of everything happening across the country and across the world, law enforcement and first responders are under more pressure than ever," Harris said. "It is our goal to just say thank you and offer encouragement in a nonprofit, nonpolitical way."

The meals were catered by Country's Barbecue. Voorhees agreed to fund the $7,500 to $8,000 for the meals.

Ray Eckel, who retired from the Columbus Police Department, said the idea is one that should have occurred a long time ago.

"I think it is wonderful," he said. "This should have come about a long time ago. They should have started a thing like this. I hope it's going to continue. It makes good relationships. I can see all my old friends."

The new organization is at Back Columbus Blue on Facebook. There are yard signs, logos and T-shirts available on the site.

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 10:10 PM with the headline "Businessmen combine interest for nonprofit to support Columbus police officers ."