"Harrington for Hope" Scheduled, Fundraiser for Child Burn Survivors

Cookeville Police Lieutenant Gives Back.

It was just over two years ago that Cookeville Police Department Lieutenant Mitch Harrington found himself fighting for his life after entering a burning home in an effort to save the lives of others. After an unexpected explosion in the home and being pulled from the blazing inferno by fellow police officers, the lieutenant spent a month in the Vanderbilt Burn Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Now, in an effort to find healing for himself and other burn survivors, Harrington is planning a "ride for hope" on Saturday, July 21, 2018 to raise funds for Vanderbilt's Camp Hope, a nonprofit organization offering a free summer camp and a week of physical and emotional healing for children who have suffered burn injuries.

The camp is open to burn survivors between the ages of 6 and 16 years old who have sustained burns and were admitted to or treated by a burn center.

Having had the chance to see firsthand the battle these children have faced and continue to endure, Harrington has a special place in his heart for the cause.

“The scars I bear are constant reminders of a day that could have been my last,” said Harrington. “’Harrington For Hope’ is my way of saying thank you to all those who helped and prayed for me, by taking care of these kids who might not be as fortunate.”

“Healing from your burns is the easy part. The hard part is the emotional healing. This is especially difficult for kids who have to learn to live with looking different than everyone else. Camp Hope gives them a chance just to be a kid. Everyone there wears scars, so there is no judgement, just fun.”

The fundraiser will feature a three-hour motorcycle ride featuring scenic points-of-interest along the way with route designed by Cookeville Fire Chief Daryl Blair and Bennett Industries Owner/Upper Cumberland H.O.G. Chapter Director David Prowse. Staging will begin at The Docks Sports Bar & Grill at 10 a.m. CT with kickstands-up at 11 a.m. CT.

Following the ride, live music by artists Brother Rains will begin at 2 p.m. CT. Auction items will be on display before the ride and will be auctioned during band breaks and will continue into the evening. Custom cornhole boards will be auctioned after use in a large cornhole tournament. Limited edition event posters and shirts will be available for purchase upon ride check-in, while supplies last. Costs will be $25 per motorcycle. Cornhole tournament fees will be $30 per two-person team.