Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama speaks at an August 2022 press conference announcing funding for neighborhood watch programs in Fresno. Photo by Ben Hensley

A little over a year after its official reintroduction to the City of Fresno, the Fresno Police Neighborhood Watch (FPNW) program will host its Embrace the Legacy fundraiser aiming to generate operational revenue to continue its service in the city.

The fundraiser will be held on Friday, Nov. 3 from 6 – 10 p.m. at the Buena Vista Event Center located at 14860 CA 41 in Madera and will aim to generate funds to offset operating expenses for the nonprofit organization.

The fundraiser will honor various members of the community as well as Fresno Neighborhood Watch trailblazer Roz Clark.

Clark founded the first Fresno Neighborhood Watch Program in 1970, two years before the program was implemented in cities throughout the country.

Additionally, members of the community will be honored, with honorees ranging from community members to organizations and even city employees.

“We’ll be honoring three residents in the community who have done their part to make Fresno safer,” FPNW President Mary Haskin said. “We’re also going to be honoring a community-based organization working to make Fresno safer.”

Last year, the nonprofit organization, spearheaded by Haskin, was allocated $300,000 from the city’s budget to get the program up and running. The amount last year was approved unanimously by the city council.

This year though, allocations for the program were lower. This didn’t come as a surprise to the organization.

“Neighborhood Watch, when done correctly, is foundational to the safety of every neighborhood,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “Creating a neighborhood network allows residents to familiarize themselves with who doesn’t belong in your neighborhood.  Communicating this suspicious activity to your neighbor and the police serves to reduce opportunities for would-be thieves.”

The event will feature a variety of entertainment, food and chances to engage fellow community members. In addition to the awards presentation, the ceremony will also host a silent auction, featuring a donated WM Knabe & Co. baby grand piano, appraised at approximately $10,000.

Tickets for the event start at $80 for individual seats to $700 per table and are available online and can be purchased here. More information about the FPNW can be found at www.makefresnosafer.org.