COVINGTON, Ga. - With money continuing to trickle in from Thursday night’s Raffle for Officer Matt Cooper on the Covington square, Covington Police Department Assistant Chief Philip Bradford said the estimated amount raised was right at $64,000.

The raffle started as just an idea to help raise money for the Cooper family was organized by Revolution Casual Living Owner Megan Dial. It then grew into a much larger event with the help of Covington Main Street, Covington/Newton County Economic Development and all of the contributing businesses.

More than 100 items were donated and raffled off as part of the event. 

"Thank you so much to everyone who came out last night, to all of our supporters, to CPD, to the city of Covington, everyone that donated something - everyone from businesses down to individuals - and everybody that came out (Thursday) night to support Matt Cooper and his family," Dial said.

CPD Chief Stacey Cotton said he is speechless, overwhelmed and, of course, thankful for the support shown to his department and the Cooper family since Monday’s incident.

“We’re obviously blown away and humbled by the outpouring of support for not only the police department but for Matt and his family,” he said.

Cotton said the continued support from the community and surrounding law enforcement entities has helped encourage him and the rest of the department going through the tough time.

“January will be 32 years that I’ve been at the Covington Police Department,” he said. “I’ve always been very proud to be a Covington Police Officer and this reminds me even more why I do this job. It’s just an incredible feeling to be part of an incredible police department and city.

“As someone looking from the outside in, you get to see how blessed I am to be in this job.”