HUMBLE PUBLIC SERVANT PATRICK PHERNETTON FIRST 2014 “MOLE AWARD” WINNER

Chairman of the Board of the City-County Observer, Ron Cosby announced today that the first 2014 “Mole Award”  Recipient Committee has selected  Evansville Police Sergeant Patrick Phernetton as the first mole award winner of 2014. Cosby said of Pherrnetton, “This is quite an honor for Patrick Phernetton. He is an outstanding individual, he is persuasive both intellectually and ethically, and is the humblest of public servants. The 2014 CCO Mole Awards Committee feels honored to award Patrick with the first City-County Observer Mole Award for the year 2014.

As an Army Veteran and current Evansville Police Officer, Sergeant Patrick Phernetton has encountered many difficult situations in his life. Through his many years of service, he has seen an encountered many people in need of help. As a member of Law Enforcement, that is his job. Patrick, however, has a role much bigger than being an officer; he is a father. He has three wonderful children, but his daughter Mykenna has become the inspiration for the work Patrick does outside of his day-job. When Mykenna (known as Mickey) was born, doctor’s diagnosed her with Prader-Willi Syndrome. PWS is a genetic disease that alters those who have it to the point where they will always have a feeling of constant hunger. This extreme and insatiable appetite is one of many symptoms of PWS, but defines it for the most part. Folks with this disease will never be able to live a truly independent life. Patrick and his wife Lisa realized they needed to do something to help Mickey. They knew one day she would want her own space and freedom like all young people do. PWS would never allow that, she they searched for an alternative.

In the early days, the Music for Mickey Concert series was raising little money for a spark of an idea. As time progressed, Patrick, with some help from close friends, founded 911 Gives Hope. 911 Gives Hope was to be a boxing match between local police and firefighters with the proceeds to benefit Prader Willi Syndrome, the building of Kids Kingdom, and several other local charities. The first event was held at the Coliseum. Patrick was hoping they would sell enough tickets to cover their expenses and turn a small profit. By the end of the night, it was rumored people were offering $50 cash donations just to get in the door because it was sold out. With the fire inspector next on the fight bill, who was going to check the building capacity?

911 Gives Hope has now grown to nothing like Patrick could imagine. With well over a half million dollars raised in the first 6 years, an annual Guns & Hoses Hockey game set up and the annual toy drive, 911 Gives Hope has several avenues to help so many that are disabled around our community. What started as a dream for a daughter has turned into an invaluable pillar of the community. Guns & Hoses now is held at the cities largest indoor venue and draws over 8,000 spectators, all attending in the name of the children of Evansville. The Toy Drive yields literally thousands of toys each year and the Guns & Hoses events raise money to help grantees who ask for money throughout the year. Outside of the big events, the 911 Gives Hope board (Patrick Phernetton, Billy Bolin, Chris Rieter, Matt Garnett, Dave Harmon, Dave Weis, Sallie Jung) have always made it a point to go behind the scenes to help a child in need. Most of this is not publicized and it will never be. Patrick will continue to fight for his daughter. Founded from 911 Gives Hope is Hope Village. Hope Village will be a home within Jacob’s Village exclusively for those with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

The ball is rolling on this project and without the work of 911 Gives Hope, it would not be possible. Guns & Hoses is April 12. Your ticket goes to the pocket of no fighter or board member, just children of our community.  When you see Patrick, say hello to the man behind this dream.  The City County Observer is honored to have Patrick Phernetton among our mist.