Jan. 2. No Shave November/Double Down December raised $10,000 for “Warrior Jace,” the 4-year-old son of Cornelius Police Captain Jennifer Thompson and NC Highway Patrol Sergeant Eric Thompson.
Young Jace was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor in October. The money raised came from members of the Cornelius Police Department who were allowed to maintain facial hair in lieu of a donation as well as the public.
The funds enable the Thompsons to seek medical treatment.
A Facebook page has more information: https://www.facebook.com/warriorjace/
There will also be a gospel singing benefit Jan. 26 at 7 pm and Jan. 27 at 4 pm at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. Heavens Reign, a quartet that includes Cornelius Police Sgt. Jon Sarver, will perform. Sarver shaved off his mustache for the first time in 25 years.

Sgt. Jon Sarver before and after
Police officers donated $40 to be allowed to grow facial hair, waiving the department’s grooming policy.
Residents who would like to donate additional money towards this fundraiser can contact Lt. Steve Davis at 704-892-1363 or sdavis@corneliuspd.org.
There is also a fund through the State Employees Credit Union. Any SECU branch in North Carolina will accept a contribution, just reference “Special Account for Jennifer & Eric Thompson of Mt. Pleasant, NC.”
Checks can be made out to Special Account for Jennifer & Eric Thompson. State Employees Credit Union, Attn: Frances Coyle, PO Box 2294, Cornelius, NC 28031