It’s all about the dogs, but an upcoming fundraiser for the Georgia Police K9 Foundation will have lots of fun for people, too.

Raising money to help care for retired police dogs is the goal, but participants will be sure to enjoy food, entertainment and prizes during the “Evening for K9s” Saturday, June 9, at The Belle House in Statesboro, said Statesboro police APO Kyle Briley, founder of the Georgia Police K9 Foundation and spokesman for the event.

Held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., entry tickets are available for a $20 donation and include a night of delectable food, drinks and entertainment, one raffle ticket, access to a silent auction and door prizes, he said. Additional raffle tickets are available for $10 each or 15 for $100.

“Local police K9 teams will be there to meet and greet from 6–7 p.m.,” he said.

Auction items include “firearms, flat-screen TVs, grills, home decor, jewelry, custom knives, auto and tool equipment, custom woodworking items, name-brand coolers and designer bags, hunting trips and much more,” Briley said. “There will be something for everyone at this event.”
More than 80 sponsors are supporting the event, which he said is “very humbling.”

“We want everyone to come out and have a good time while giving to a good cause,” he said.

Tickets may be purchased at the door, “but we highly suggest getting them early to enjoy the event,” he said.

According to Briley, the Georgia Police K9 Foundation was founded in late 2016 “with the focus to assist active and retired law enforcement K9s. As a foundation, part of our mission is to raise awareness in the communities on the impact and importance K9s have in everyone’s life.”

Usually, when a law enforcement K9 retires, “the burden of medical costs and other expenses fall on the former handler or adopter,” he said. “Not many people are aware it’s not uncommon (to find) on a local, state or federal level, there is no assistance for the K9s after they retire. It’s also not uncommon for government agencies to not properly fund K9 units or implement K9 programs correctly.”

The group goes to great lengths to provide for the dogs who have served the public valiantly.

“As a foundation, we assist in every possible area,” he said. These efforts include “partnering with the general public, agencies and governments to increase awareness, provide proper training and training equipment to agencies.” In addition, the foundation works to “honor retired K9s with a plaque, provide medical assistance to retired law enforcement K9s and support K9 handlers.”

Just this year, the foundation has provided assistance to approximately 30 law enforcement K9s.

“Many of these K9s are in the southeast Georgia area,” Briley said. “We have had an incredible amount of support from the community, which is great.”

To get tickets for an “Evening for K9s,” visit the Georgia Police K9 Foundation’s Facebook page and send a message, contact any listed board members, or call either Briley at (912) 687-2410 or Tracy Mallary at (912) 618-8102. 

Donations to the cause are tax deductible, as the Georgia Police K9 Foundation is an all-volunteer 501c3 non-profit organization.

Herald reporter Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.