Burke Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation - LEAF

We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred today in Charlotte involving the US Marshals office and those agencies and officers that responded to assist. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.

Pictures from the 2nd Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet are complete and available at this link!
https://pamelabakerphotography.passgallery.com/-burkeleafbanquet2024/gallery

Special thank you to Pamela Baker Photography for her hard work and time spent on these pictures! Over 1500 pictures were taken!

Burke LEAF Banquet 2024 Pamela Baker Photography,Burke LEAF Banquet 2024,

We are just 4 days away from the 2nd Annual Burke LEAF Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 6pm till 11pm! The event has officially SOLD OUT!

We would also like to thank the rest of our Event Sponsors for this year! Your continued support for Burke LEAF and this community is greatly appreciated!
Chris and Janet Jernigan
Sanjay Hegde Blue Ring Investors
College Pines Health and Rehabilitation Grace Heights Health and Rehabilitation
UNC Health Blue Ridge
Hamby’s Towing Service
Paws and Claws of Morganton
Taylorsville Tree Care LLC

Special thanks to several businesses that paid the way for Law Enforcement Officers to attend the event!
Stitching Chicks Needlepoint
Historic Morganton Festival
Beelite Candles

Celebrating Burke County law enforcement, the second-annual Burke Law Enforcement Banquet welcomes supporters and officers for a night of recognition and appreciation for the people who protect our community.

Held at the Foothills Higher Education Center on Saturday, March 9, the banquet is sponsored by the Burke County Law Enforcement Association (LEAF), which supports sworn officers and their families in financial need.

The banquet’s speakers feature retired Coach Jerry Moore of Appalachian State University’s Mountaineers alongside master of ceremonies Morganton Public Safety Chief and LEAF Administrative Liaison Jason Whisnant.

Read more about this upcoming banquet in The Paper.

https://ecs.page.link/wRzDh

Burke Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation - LEAF

We are just over 5 weeks away from the 2nd Annual Burke LEAF Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 6pm till 11pm! There are a limited amount of tickets left, so contact us today to secure your tickets to this wonderful and exciting event! Flyer and order form below!

We want to thank our Nomination Sponsor, John D and Jane Greene, for sponsoring all the Officer Nominees for this years event!

We would also like to thank Mark and Katherina Buff of Dave Steel Company for their sponsoring of the Morganton Department of Public Safety Chief's table and Jim and Iris Toner of Toner Machining Technologies for their sponsoring of the Burke County Sheriff's table! These incredible citizens and businesses have supported Burke LEAF from the start and we appreciate their contributions to local law enforcement!

We would also like to thank the following Event Sponsors for this year! Your continued support for Burke LEAF and this community is greatly appreciated!
Burke County Farm Bureau
ERX Emergency Restoration Experts
Liberty Towing & Recovery
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center
Morganton Federal Savings & Loan Assn
Garden Gate Floral & Events

The event is a Formal Dinner event and will include a catered meal, dinner, drinks, dancing and a silent auction and a speech from retired Coach Jerry Moore of Appalachian State Mountaineers Football!

Happy Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to all those who serve in some capacity, especially those here in Burke County!

Remember a limited number of tickets for our 2nd Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet on March 9, 2024 are available now. Message us on Facebook for more information!

Burke LEAF would like to thank Brian Stamey of Burke County Farm Bureau for choosing us as his nonprofit of choice for the 2024 Dancing with the Burke Stars. You can show your support to Brian at https://www.dance4acause.com/dwtbsmeetbrian by clicking the support link. You can purchase tickets for the event at https://www.dance4acause.com/dwtbstickets

Merry Christmas to you and your families!

Burke LEAF is assisting a local officer and his family who lost their home today in a structure fire.

To send electronically through PayPal or Venmo:
PayPal Note: "CS" or click donation link below:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PDVZRE762NNQC

Venmo Note "CS"

If you would rather send a check, they can be mailed directly to Burke LEAF at PO Box 3902, Morganton NC 28655 with the memo "CS" or dropped off at Morganton Department of Public Safety headquarters at 304 S College St in reference to "Officer CS"
100% of all funds donated under this memo will be donated directly to the family.

Gift cards and any other items can be dropped off at Morganton Public Safety at 304 S College St Morganton nc 28655 and MDPS will facilitate their delivery to the family.

Message us with any questions and keep this family in your prayers!


Burke County Farm Bureau

www.paypal.com

Pictures from last year's 1st Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet!

This year's event is scheduled for March 9, 2024 from 6pm till 11pm at the Foothills Higher Education Center in Morganton!

Be on the lookout for this year's flyer and come have a great time supporting local law enforcement!

Stop by 1 Burke Gives on this giving Tuesday and help support local law enforcement!

Please like and share!

Support Burke Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation | 1BurkeGives I’m ready to support Burke Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation on November 28, 2023 during 1BurkeGives. Learn more about Burke Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation and all the other organizations participating in 1BurkeGives.

The second annual Burke LEAF Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet is set for Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Foothills higher education center in Morganton. Mark your calendars and join us as we recognize local law enforcement and raise money for Burke LEAF.

If you would like to donate an item or experience to the silent auction, send us a message on Facebook or email us at [email protected]!

This year's speaker is retired Coach Jerry Moore from Appalachian State University. During his tenure of twenty-four years as head coach at Appalachian State, Moore led the Mountaineers to ten Southern Conference championships and three consecutive NCAA Division I-AA national championships (2005, 2006, and 2007). The 215 ASU victories under his leadership is a school record.

He also coached the Appalachian State Mountaineers to what is considered the biggest upset in college football history, knocking off the No 5 ranked and winningest football program Michigan wolverines 34-32 on September 1, 2007 in front of 107,501 fans.

Ticket informative and event flyers will be posted soon, so be ready!

Rounding up some of the raffle giveaways for the Burke LEAF tournament in October! Looking forward to a great turnout this year. Make sure you register to enter. Space is limited!!

We are 2 weeks out from the 2nd Annual Tour de Burke 50K and kids event!

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/burke-leaf-63350097103

Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Kevin Castro, Coldwell Banker Newton Real Estate for his continued support of this event!

Also special thanks to our Platinum Sponsors this year!
McCabe’s Tire & Service
Buff’s Tire & Service, Inc.
Chick-fil-A Morganton
HiTone Fitness, Morganton, NC
Morganton Federal Savings & Loan Assn
UNC Health Blue Ridge

Special thanks to our Gold Sponsors!
Cox Family Medicine
Kelly Bowers Messenheimer- Nationwide Insurance

We also thank our event sponsors!
Burke County Public Schools Freedom High School Patriots
Inflatable Fun. LLC
ArtCraft Press, Inc.
Innovative Ink

We are accepting sponsorships through Monday, May 8! If you would like to be a part of this annual event, please email [email protected] or message us on Facebook!

There are also spots for riders available up until the event, but register by Monday to ensure a ride event shirt, medal and swag bag!

We are still cleaning up and tallying up the auction winners. We will be notifying the winners in the coming days and posting pictures from the event. Feel free to share your pictures from last night and use the hashtag

Special thanks to Liberty Towing of Morganton and Chris & Janet Jernigan of Morganton on their Major Level Sponsor table for the 1st Annual Burke LEAF Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet!

Also special thanks to John D & Jane Greene of Morganton for sponsoring the Nominated Officers Tables for the 1st Annual Burke LEAF Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet! This sponsorship afforded all nominated officers and spouses as well as agency heads and spouses, the opportunity to be at the event free of charge.

Below is a list of all of our Sponsors for the 1st Annual Burke LEAF Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet!

Nominated Officer Sponsor
John D and Jane Greene

Chief of Morganton Department of Public Safety Table Sponsor
Mark & Katherina Buff

Sheriff of Burke County Sheriff's Office Table Sponsor
Toner Machining Technologies

Major Level Table Sponsors
Burke County Farm Bureau - Morganton Office
Burke County Farm Bureau - Rutherford College Office
Liberty Towing & Recovery
Chris & Janet Jernigan

Captain Level Table Sponsor
Garden Gate Floral & Events

Sergeant Level Table Sponsor
Warren & Lydia Daniel

Agency Sponsored Tables
North Carolina State Highway Patrol
Morganton Department of Public Safety

Service Sponsors
Countryside Catering
Artcraft Press
Fonta Flora
Silver Fork Winery
Joe Belanger
Heather Baker
DJ Drew Parham

Burke LEAF is proud to announce Lt Colonel Daryl B Conley of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol as our keynote speaker at the 1st Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation banquet on Saturday, March 4, 2023!

Lt. Col. Conley is a native of Rutherford County and began his career as a member of the 95th Basic Patrol School. In March 1996, he began serving the citizens of North Carolina assigned as a trooper to Burke County and served in Burke County for 16 years.

He has served in supervisory positions across our state to include Roanoke Rapids, Hickory, Newton, and in Raleigh both at Troop C Headquarters and Field Operations. Lt. Col. Conley is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University from where he holds a bachelor’s degree in political science. He is a graduate of the 54th Session of the Administrative Officer Management Program (AOMP), and the FBI National Academy class #278.

Ticket orders for the event will be open until Friday, February 24, 2023. Email [email protected] with your order confirmation and send your checks to Burke LEAF, PO Box 3902, Morganton NC 28655.

Sponsorship opportunities are open until Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Email [email protected] with your order confirmation and send your checks to Burke LEAF, PO Box 3902, Morganton NC 28655.

******TRAFFIC ALERT******

Police Officers, Sheriff's Deputies and other participants will be representing our local leg of the 2022 NC Torch Run for Special Olympics on Friday, May 13 leaving the Old Courthouse Square and traveling US Highway 70 to Hickory, approximately 22 miles. Please expect delays and congestion between 9am and 1pm along the route.

Nonprofit holds first 50k bike ride, rodeo The Burke County Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation held its first Tour de Burke 50k bike ride around Burke County, taking off at Freedom High School and traveling through the county

We had a great time at our 1st Annual Tour de Burke 50k and kids bike rodeo! Thank you to all our sponsors, riders and volunteers! This event was a great overall time had by all and we look forward to next year and growing and learning! Here are just a few pictures from the event!

Thank you to Buzze's Creamery and General Store, Inflatable Fun LLC, Belanger Entertainment, Burke County Public Schools and ArtCraft Press for their presenting sponsorships. Thank you to Chick-fil-a of Morganton for providing lunch to the riders, sponsors and volunteers. Thank you to Burke County Farm Bureau agents Brian Clopton, Seth Gullet, Cory Trivett and Colby Shull and Sgt James Huffman of the Burke County Sheriff's Office for handling the aid stations throughout the race.

Thank you to our PLATINUM sponsors Chick-fil-a of Morganton, Morganton Savings Bank, Mckinney Power Washing, Buff's Tire and Service, Hi-TONE Fitness of Morganton, Catawba Brewing Company, UNC Health Blue Ridge, College Pines/Grace Heights, Town of Hildebran, and Kevin Castro Real Estate of Coldwell Banker. Our GOLD sponsors Nationwide Insurance Bowers/Messienheimer Agency, Wellman's Lawncare and Landscape, Walmart of Morganton, Swede's Cafe and Town of Rutherford College. Our SILVER sponsors Boone Bike and Touring, Christie Leonard of WNC Real Estate and Fonta Flora Realty.

ALSO special thank you to the NCSHP motorcycle unit and NCSHP Sgt Daniel Wakefield for leading our riders, Morganton News Herald and Chrissy Murphy for covering the event and taking pictures, Casey & Nicole Kinard and Valdese Fire Department and Safe Kids Burke County for setting up the bike course, Mike Moody with Morganton Burke FOP lodge 23, Burke County EMS and Capt Jason Whisnant, Capt Keith Bowman, Lt Tim Corriveau, Firefighters Nick Westmoreland and Tanner Patton of Morganton Department of Public Safety for their hard work in making this event a success!

A special thank you to Tara Paterno, Ruth Ann Connor and Natalie Thompson for all your help and support throughout the entire event process.

We are already looking forward to next year!!

*****POSSIBLE TRAFFIC DELAYS SATURDAY APRIL 30th, 9AM to 12PM*****

Local riders will be participating in the 1st Annual Tour de Burke 50K bicycle ride this Saturday, April 30th. Some streets will be blocked briefly and traffic may be slow in some areas around town during the ride. Please watch out for our officers as they assist with traffic control and the riders as they participate!

We are 12 days out from our 1st Annual Tour de Burke 50K and Kids Bike Rodeo. We want to take the time to recognize our sponsors for this years event. Without their generous donations, this event would not be what it is!

Our PLATINUM sponsors are:
Chick-fil-A of Morganton
Morganton Savings Bank
McKinney Power Washing
Buff's Tire & Service
Hi-TONE Fitness of Morganton
Catawba Brewing Company
UNC Health Blue Ridge
College Pines & Grace Heights Health and Rehabilitation
Town of Hildebran
Kevin Castro of Coldwell Banker Newton Real Estate

Our GOLD Sponsors are:
Walmart of Morganton
Nationwide Insurance Bowers/Messenheimer Agency
Town of Rutherford College
Swede's Cafe
Wellman's Lawncare and Landscape

Our SILVER Sponsors are:
Boone Bike & Touring
Fonta Flora Realty
Christie Leonard of WNC Real Estate

Our PRESENTING Sponsors are:
ArtCraft Custom Graphics
Belanger Entertainment
Burke County Public Schools
Buzze's Creamery and General Store
Inflatable Fun LLC

Again, thank you to all these local businesses and establishments for their sponsorship and continued partnerships with our local law enforcement through Burke LEAF!

Pre-registration for the 2022 Tour de Burke is nearing it's end on Friday, April 8. We will continue to accept registration forms up until the day of the event. Pre-registration assures a shirt in your size and helps us with planning for the number of riders we will have. Registration is $75.00!

Sponsorship applications will also be ending this week to ensure we have logos and business names ready for our shirt and banner vendors in time for the event. If you wish to sponsor or register for the ride, email us at [email protected] and we will get you in!

Kids Event registrations will be accepted up until the day of the event, but getting those in early helps us again with planning for shirts and volunteers. The registration fee for this event is only $5.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, riders and kids that have registered at this point. We look forward to seeing you on April 30!!

Get registered today! Sponsorship spots also available!! Event is Saturday, April 30.

50k bike ride, 1-mile fun ride to benefit Burke LEAF Cyclists should get ready to strap on those helmets and grab some elbow pads for a 50k bike ride around Burke County.

BBQ fundraiser for Marion PD Officer Breanna Toney. If anyone is interested in some BBQ this Friday, contact us by private message and we can set you up with tickets.