Event Raises Funds for Foundation Supporting Widows of Fallen Officers

PLEASANT GROVE, Utah – The One Voice Children’s Choir started the event singing a version of “Brave” by Sara Bareilles as party-goers filtered in a Pleasant Grove parking lot to kick off the 4th Annual Blue Haven ‘Fun’ Raiser. Soon face-painted kids were running around eating from local food trucks and trying out a tricycle obstacle course set up by the Pleasant Grove Police Department.

All the events, plus the opportunity to win prizes and buy t-shirts and hats with the Blue Haven logo, support the foundation which provides help for widows and families of officers killed in the line of duty.

‘We want to serve them in some way like they have served us,” event organizer John Pilmer said.

Blue Haven was started by Nannette Wride, the widow of Sgt. Cory Wride who was killed in 2014.

“When Cory died, I felt so lost and so alone,” Wride said.

Shortly after, Wride had an idea. She started creating baskets of the things that helped her most, things people had sent her. She includes her favorite comforting music, books on death and blankets. Every basket is centered on the family’s specific needs. She would fly and take the baskets and attend funerals. After doing several baskets, funding it all on her own, she started Blue Haven.

“Our goal is to visit every single family of every single fallen officer, but when widows are in different stages of healing, sometimes they’re not ready to go and face another widow that’s actually going through. It’s a huge band aid rip off,” Wride said.

Each basket costs around $300 to $400. Blue Haven is working to be able to send a basket to every single family who loses an officer in the country. They also are working to create a retreat in Utah to bring families together next year.

‘It’s when we buoy each other up and give each other hope when we’re able to heal better,” Wride said.

You can learn more about Blue Haven on their website: bluehaven.foundation.