CAIRO- The Veteran Enforcers Motorcycle Association (VEMA) hosted their fifth annual Back the Blue Scavenger Hunt over the weekend with proceeds benefiting surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

VEMA Cairo commander and Cairo Police Department Investigator Dwight Patten said it was a great weekend with approximately $4,000 raised to help families throughout the state of Georgia.

VEMA is comprised of military and first responders who work to support, educate and improve their communities through active participation and charitable events and functions that benefit those who have answered the call of duty.

While the Back the Blue Scavenger Hunt is only held once a year, VEMA Cairo works tirelessly to better their community. Upon completing the Scavenger Hunt, they have turned their focus to raising money for Cairo PD’s Shop with a Cop event.

Held annually, VEMA Cairo raises money to give children, who may not otherwise experience a Christmas morning, a chance to shop for goodies with a Cairo PD officer.

Patten said the last few years VEMA Cairo has seen a huge increase in donations, allowing them to sponsor nearly 40 children at Christmas.

Patten explained each child is given between $150-200 to purchase whatever their heart may desire.

Although Saturday’s event does not benefit the Shop with a Cop opportunity, the attention VEMA Cairo gains through the experience allows others in the community to see the good work being done and consider donating to the cause.

Patten thanked everyone who came out on Saturday and supported the COPS program and all those who purchased tickets for the gas gift card.