250 attend 'Shop With a Cop' benefit

Jerry Piper as "Pappy Cooter" told the 250 attending Saturday night's "Shop With a Cop" benefit at the American Legion, "You can lose your health and get it back." "You can lose your money and get it back, " but NEVER lose your sense of humor.

Piper, part of the "We Got It Covered" band provided comic relief during Saturday's benefit that raised nearly $4,000 for the Du Quoin Police Department Shop With a Cop charity dinner theater.

It shared Saturday night with benefits for the Perry County Humane Society and the Elverado Booster Club, all successful.

Piper sang his own "Thanksgiving Song" with kids: "Shake your feathers. Shake your butt..." but as far as we turkeys go "find another way" to celebrate Thanksgiving.

But, the night turned serious as that band sang "I'm Proud to be an American" as Piper walked to the stage with the American flag. Everyone rose to their feet and later when Keenan Rice sang "Mary, Did You Know."

Appreciation goes to the American Legion which worked tirelessly to make it a great night of food that included fish, chicken, sides and cake for dessert.