One week after fallen San Jose police Officer Michael Katherman was buried, the outpouring of community support for the family continued Tuesday during an all-day fundraiser at Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que in San Jose.
The "deliberately upbeat" event featured food, friendly conversation and an auction, with proceeds going to a Katherman family trust. It is the second fundraiser held by the restaurant at The Plant on Curtner Avenue.
Katherman's parents told NBC Bay Area all the support has been touching and comforting.
"To do this for our son is such an honor," said Tom Katherman. "And we're so appreciative of it. The support from the community has been wonderful. We had officers sitting on our house, and our neighbors were coming over and feeding them. It was very cool."
Michael Katherman, 34, was killed June 14 when a minivan collided with his motorcycle on 10th Street in San Jose. He was an 11-year veteran of the force. He was laid to rest June 21 after a full dress memorial attended by more than 3,500 people, including more than 1,000 law enforcement officers from throughout the Bay Area.
On Tuesday, business at Famous Dave's was virtually nonstop. Much of the money raised will go to the group Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes for a Katherman family trust fund.
"I want to thank the police officers, the command staff. They have embraced us," Tom Katherman said. "The POA has embraced us. That means so much to us. ... So I just want to say thank you to everyone and again to all the officers out there, we thank you for your service and what you do for our community to keep us safe."
