Ellington

Susan Lunardini believes that a strong business climate goes hand in hand with a safe city. As the president of the Jackson Police Foundation, she hopes to promote that climate in Jackson.

"The less crime you have in an area, the better business climate you experience," she said. "... A better, safer community means more economic development."

Lundarini is the majority stock holder for Southern Consultants Inc., a civil engineering firm based in Jackson for the past 47 years. She began working with the Jackson Police Foundation in 2000. The nonprofit organization promotes collaboration between law enforcement and business owners.

Tonight the Jackson Police Foundation will sponsor the fundraiser "Take A Tasty Bite Out of Crime," at Highland Village. For the past 13 years, the organization SafeCity has hosted the event. SafeCity, formerly The Metro Crime Commission, began in 2003 to address public-safety concerns in Jackson but closed its operation March 30, citing financial issues.

"We know this is an opportunity for our organization," she said. "SafeCity built a great foundation for us to do this event."

The foundation raises money for the Jackson Police Department for one-time purchases. The Foundation also regularly helps fund training at the police academy, and it recently orchestrated an agreement with the Baptist Medical Center and St. Dominic Hospital to perform physicals on new police recruits, saving the Jackson Police Department $100,000, Lunardini said. Twenty five percent of the proceeds from the event will go toward Metro One Law Enforcement.

"The police can use the money they save to fight crime," she said.

In regards to filling the role the SafeCity played in Jackson, Lunardini said the Foundation may take on lobbying for legislative initiatives for law enforcement.

"Take A Tasty Bike Out Of Crime," is at 7 p.m. tonight at Highland Village. The event will feature food from more than 50 of restaurants, and live entertainment by Faze 4, Chris Gill and Fingers Taylor. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. For more information call 601-212-0016 or visit The event's website