A lot of officers with the Metro Nashville Police Department don't have to chose between getting another degree or sending their children to college. They can do both thanks to the money raised by the Shoney's Family Fun Run.
The rain didn't stop runners from participating in the annual 5K Saturday morning.
The new recruits participated as a class, along with a lot of community members who came out to support the police department.
Sponsored by Shoney's, all of the money raised goes into a scholarship fund for police officers to continue their education.
David Davoudpour, the CEO of Shoney’s, said we can often take our own safety for granted because of these officers who put their lives on the line every day.
“Why can't we just, once a year, come out to the Shoney’s 5K and say thank you for what you do for us?” Davoudpour said. “That's not too much to ask!”
“The more educated we are in any endeavor, the better job we do,” said Chief Steve Anderson, of the Metro Nashville Police Department. “It shows structure. It shows perseverance, and it shows these officers are ready for the next challenge.”
Chief Anderson said every year the Shoney's CEO personally matches the amount raised by the race.
Before Saturday morning, the annual run has raised $200,000. This year they raised more than $16,000.