Cape Coral Police Department's Do The Right Thing
Recognizing Students for their Positive Achievements
A message from Cape Coral Police Chief Jay Murphy:
“The children of Cape Coral represent the future of our city. It never ceases to amaze me, the stories of selfless acts of kindness and good behavior exhibited by our kids. Often putting the needs of others first and sacrificing personal comforts, these young people serve as an inspiration to us all.
Our ‘Do the Right Thing’ program provides an opportunity to showcase these children and their remarkable acts. The monthly ceremony shines a bright light on the youth of Cape Coral as well their exemplary behavior and serves to inspire their peers to make the right choices in life and to help others as well.
I urge you to be on the lookout for the youth of our community leading by example, helping others, and simply doing the right thing. And if you see a young person who you think should be recognized for their efforts, please nominate them for a ‘Do the Right Thing’ award. You can do so right here on our website.
Thank you for your commitment to making Cape Coral a great place to live.”
A word from Fire Chief, Bill Van Helden
"In a day and age when there seems to be so much focus on the things of this world that go wrong, there are still opportunities for individuals and the community to recognize and encourage our children. We must take responsibility to encourage one another.
Every day our children give of themselves in ways that usually go unnoticed. We must strive to catch the youth of our community doing the right thing.
The “Do The Right Thing” program provides us with an excellent opportunity for achieving the aforementioned. However, the program more importantly represents a philosophy of life that we must embrace if we are to help our youth be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead of them.
I believe it is imperative that we lead by example so that our youth and our children find us always doing the right thing.
Thank you for your consideration and caring commitment to our community."
Do you know a student who…
- helps an older neighbor with chores?
- writes letters to military personnel?
- picks up litter on the beach?
- visits the children’s ward at the hospital?
- helps a new classmate who is having a hard time?
- collects toys for underprivileged children?
- teaches safety to younger children?
- shows concern for wildlife?
- acted quickly in an emergency?
- mows the lawn at church?
- has taken on a cause which he/she feels strongly about?
- took the time to learn someone else’s culture?
- earns money or gives of themselves for a worthy cause?
- serves as a role model for others?
Nominate a student now! Click here to download the Do The Right Thing Nomination Form
Background
Do The Right Thing, Inc. is a non-profit corporation operating under the City of Cape Coral Police Department dedicated to recognizing students within the community who are doing good things. All students nominated are “winners” and receive a t-shirt, certificate, and other prizes. Each month our Board of Directors selects some of those students to honor publicly at a special ceremony attended by family friends, police officers, and community members.
Our goals:
- To build self-esteem in our youth by reinforcing socially desirable behavior.
- To foster positive relations between the police department and students by building bridges of trust, understanding, and civic responsibility.
- To allow the residents of the City of Cape Coral to see the positive actions of our young citizens and demonstrate that “good kids” are newsworthy.
- To allow the community the opportunity to publicly thank our youth for their achievements.
Special thanks to our Corporate Sponsors and prize contributors
Businesses throughout our community offer terrific gifts for our young citizens. Trophies and t-shirts, pizzas, movie passes, and gift cards are just some of the many prizes awarded. Our corporate sponsors and prize contributors are the backbone of our program.
Ecological Laboratories, Publix Supermarkets Charities, F.O.S. Furniture, Fraternal Order of Police, TIB Bank, Wal-Mart, Outback Steakhouse, Cape Coral Social Club, Innovative Printing & Signs, Moorings Seafood Restaurant, Ice Cream Club, Great American Cookies, Chick-Filet
Additional Activities
Scholarships
The Fraternal Order of Police joins Do The Right Thing to award scholarships to high school seniors. Applications can be found in the Cape Coral high schools or online at www.collegescholarship4u.com
Picnics
Toward the end of each school year, the Cape Coral Police Department, Fort Myers Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Collier County Sheriff’s Office come together to recognize each of the year’s winners once again at a picnic at Lakes Regional Park. We hope to instill in these winners that we are proud of them for their efforts and hope they continue on a positive track.
For more information about the Do The Right Thing program:
Cape Coral Police Department
P.O. Box 150027
Cape Coral, FL 33915
Attn: Do The Right Thing
Phone: 239-242-3342
e-mail: cnaumann@capecoral.net