Chicago jet skier to trek across Lake Michigan to raise money for police officers

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A Chicago man set off on a journey across Lake Michigan on Thursday — one that he hopes will help provide Chicago police officers with life-saving equipment.

Frank Gianelli hopped on his jet ski and took off from Monroe Harbor, with plans to go 90 miles across Lake Michigan to Saugatuck, Mich. as part of a Chicago Police Memorial (CPM) fundraiser.

The jet skier said he had the idea to support the "Get Behind the Vest" initiative about one year ago.

“This is a grassroots thing that just swelled up in me; it came out of nowhere,” he said. “I had to do something, and we’re here to support the officers, get them what they need [and] get them the tools they need. We’re here for them.”

The trek will take almost three hours, and Gianelli said he has already raised more than $25,000, which is enough to purchase 50 bullet proof vests for Chicago police officers.

CPM said Chicago police officers are responsible for purchasing their own vests, which need to be replaced every five years, if not sooner.

Donations for the fundraiser can be made online .

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