By: Charity Meier | Novi Note | Published December 19, 2022
NOVI — The Novi Police Department donated $10,000 to the Michael and Rose Assarian Cancer Center at Ascension Providence Hospital in Novi Dec. 6 to help cover expenses for the families of patients undergoing cancer treatments.
“It was $9,915, but as we were presenting the check, members of the Ascension Providence executive team reached into their own pockets and came up with another $85 to put us at an even $10,000,” said Novi Police Cmdr. Jason Meier.
The Police Department raised the funds through its annual Pink Cruiser breast cancer campaign in October, and its “Movember” campaign in November.
The October campaign allowed the community to donate money in order to sign the police cruiser, which had been wrapped in pink to raise awareness of breast cancer. The Movember campaign saw 41 Novi police officers pay $50 each to be able to grow a beard and mustache in November. Officers are not generally permitted to have facial hair.
Meier said this was the largest amount the department has been able to raise for the cancer center in the five-year history of doing the events.
The money will go to the cancer center’s Believe in Miracles Fund, established nearly 20 years ago, which provides financial support to families who are struggling as a loved one undergoes treatment for cancer.
A representative of Ascension Providence Hospital was not available for comment on the donation before press time.