Mix and Mingle Supports Do You Back the Blue

Join M-Pak Tactical at the next event intended to foster a positive climate between police and the community. Do You Back the Blue will be hosting a mix and mingle at ACRE Distillery Thursday, February 23 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will be a chance for business leaders and the community to mix and mingle with local law enforcement to raise money and awareness.

The Purpose of Do You Back the Blue Events

Founded in 2016, before the Dallas sniper attack on police officers, Do You Back the Blue exists for two primary reasons.

The first purpose is to raise money for training programs. As an example, last year the Fort Worth Police Department only had the budget to send 10 officers to mental health training. This training prepares officers to better navigate situations in which suspects may suffer from mental illness, potentially preventing escalating circumstances. Thanks to the support of Do You Back the Blue, 100 officers attended that training instead of just the 10 who were originally budgeted to attend. The money the organization raises enables police officers to better serve their communities.

The second purpose of Do You Back the Blue is to build a bridge between the police department and communities by facilitating volunteer efforts. Unfortunately, there are some communities in Fort Worth where the only interactions with police they have experienced have been unpleasant situations. This can create a negative impression in the minds of those communities toward police officers who actually have their best interests in mind. As an attempt to remedy that tension, Do You Back the Blue plans and hosts direct community involvement events in those neighborhoods. Whether it’s a cookout that facilitates positive relationships between officers and kids in the area, a bike rodeo, or a community clean-up, the events serve the communities and give them an opportunity to interact with police for positive reasons, building rapport for both parties. The ultimate goal is for there to be real, meaningful relationships between police and the community.

What’s M-Pak’s Connection?

M-Pak offers tactical gear for all first responders. We are thankful for their bravery and sacrifice on our behalf. Due to the nature of our product, we sponsored events for The Police Bike Support Group in the past. Those sponsorships enabled us to build relationships with those involved such that Anna Boulware, our Vice President Sales, was asked to chair the organization. So when The Police Bike Support Group and One Safe Place partnered to form Do You Back the Blue, it was only natural for us to continue to participate.

What Will Happen at the Mix and Mingle?

The event at ACRE will not be structured. There’s no agenda, no program. Simply come mix and mingle with other business and community leaders and the police officers who serve you. There will be a raffle for some gift baskets (tactical gear and spa treatments) with benefits going to Do You Back the Blue. We hope to see you there.

If you’re unable to attend the event but still want to support the organization, visit http://doyoubacktheblue.org/ for more information.