Oconee businesses come together for local law enforcement

Capital Invoice is partnering with BankSouth to sponsor a picnic on Saturday, Nov. 5, to honor and support local law enforcement in Oconee County.

The picnic will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the BankSouth location in Watkinsville, and the bank is accepting $10 donations for tickets. The money raised by the event will be donated to the Georgia Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors Inc., a nonprofit that supports the families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

“We’re thrilled to be able to join with BankSouth to support local law enforcement,” said Caleb Edwards, one of the principles of Capital Invoice. “We’re very appreciative of the sacrifice that police officers and sheriff’s deputies make. We recognize that these people in law enforcement literally put their lives on the line for our safety, and helping to sponsor this picnic is just a way that we can bring some positive attention to local law enforcement and honor these men and women.”

Zaxby’s will be providing the food at the picnic, and all law enforcement officers and their immediate families will be welcome at the picnic at no charge.

“I’m excited that we’re not just honoring the law enforcement officers, but we’re also welcoming their families,” said Lisa Slocum, also a partner at Capital Invoice. “For the wives and children of law enforcement officers, it’s got to be very challenging to know that every time your spouse or your parent puts on the badge they could face any number of dangers. And so they deserve recognition, too, for supporting these people every day.”

James Hunter and the Southern Pride Band, an Oconee-based country music group, will provide live entertainment at the picnic.

Oconee County Sheriff Scott Berry said he is appreciative of the effort to recognize local law enforcement.

“Given the current environment, I am overwhelmed with this outpouring of support by the community,” Sheriff Berry said. “Our officers and staff are really excited about this appreciation picnic.”

The event will honor officers serving in Oconee County, whether they are with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the Watkinsville Police Department, the Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation or the FBI. The picnic will run from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5 at BankSouth in Watkinsville.

BankSouth is located at 7911 Macon Highway, Watkinsville. Tickets are available for a $10 donation and can be picked up at the Watkinsville branch of BankSouth. For more information, contact Lorie Petersen at lpetersen@banksouth.com or Bob Slocum at 706-769-8200 or bslocum@banksouth.com.