Branch Life Church to raise money for police scholarship fund

SOUTH COVENTRY — To honor and celebrate law enforcement on the first anniversary of the capture of Danelo Cavalcante, Branch Life Church and others are hosting a community family festival on Friday, Sept. 13, raising money for the scholarship fund of the Fraternal Order of Police.

The church is on Pughtown Road, just half a mile from Little’s, the John Deere tractor dealership on Route 100 where Cavalcante was captured on Sept. 13, 2023, after a 14-day manhunt that involved hundreds of law enforcement officials. The church was used as a staging ground for law enforcement during the search.

“One year ago, our community was on lockdown, traumatized by fear and uncertainty during the search for Cavalcante,” said Josh Park, pastor of Branch Life Church. “It was our dedicated officers who kept us safe. Our goal is to bring the community together to show our appreciation for these heroes.”

The event will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. at Branch Life, 780 Pughtown Road, Spring City, PA 19475.  Admission is free. Food vendors will be selling food and activity wristbands for kids will be sold for $5, but those in law enforcement and their families will not be charged.

Parking will be at Owen J. Roberts High School, off Route 23, with shuttles running between the school and the church property. There will be a handicap-accessible drop-off area at the church.

Cavalcante escaped from Chester County Prison on Aug. 31, 2023, less than two weeks after being sentenced to life without parole in the stabbing death of his ex-girlfriend.

Branch Life Church is hosting the event along with the Tri County Community Network, State Rep. Paul Friel (D-26th Dist.) and the Fraternal Order of Police Chester County Lodge #11. The organizations are welcoming businesses and individuals who would like to sponsor the evening with a financial donation.

Sponsors have the opportunity to set up an information booth at the event.

“We’re inviting community organizations, nonprofits, churches and others to participate in the event and help us say thank you,” Park said. “We are better together.”

Proceeds from sales of food and activity bands, plus the sponsorships, will all go toward the scholarship fund, which exists to help pay for training for future officers.

Confirmed vendors include Stampede BBQ, Dixie’s Down Home Cooking, Maggie Moos’ Ice Cream (for the last hour), Pudge’s Steaks and Hoagies and DonutNV. Kids activities include a bounce house, obstacle course and 18-foot All-American slide, floating ball inflatable archery range, pony rides (from 6 to 8 p.m.), bumble bee “train” rides and crafts.  A special treat will be the Magical Illusions of Kyle and Kelly, local residents.

In addition, there will be a stage with music acts and presentations by local leaders recognizing law enforcement.

For more information or to find out how to become a sponsor, go to www.branchlife.church/Family-Fest