September 7, 2010

GALVESTON - The Galveston Police Canine Unit fundraiser in August in Sangerfest Park was a huge success. More than 500 people attended and enjoyed the live music provided by the "Line-Up" band and ate some really great barbeque prepared by "The Wagon Cook Team."

 In addition to the food and music, there was a moonwalk and dunking booth donated by The Party Connection, sno-cones from Hawaiian Chill Shaved Ice and a car smash donated by Ace Wrecker service. The Nestle Toll House Café located just across from the park donated 15% of food their sales during the event. Erica Farmer, Kelly Acosta and Melinda Barnes' homemade dog bones were a hit as they graciously donated their proceeds as well. The O'Donohoe Insurance Agency donated some really nice looking koozies in support of the effort.

We had a number of items donated for silent auction and raffle from local businesses such as:

 Galveston Party Boats     Strand Brass

 The Front Parlor              Patriot Arms 

 Farmer's Marine & Copper Works

 Holiday Inn Sunspree      Comfort Suites

 Schlitterbahn                  Starbucks

 R&M Silkscreen               Krogers

 Walmart                         Sam's Club.

 Island Divers                   La Moda

 Target                             Linda Strevell

 Lt. Joel Caldwell             Mike Nashke

 Kathy & Rusty Coats

Donations prior to the event and funds received at the event itself netted $17,000. I want to thank everyone who supported us through volunteering, donations and attendance. I want to specifically thank the Galveston Citizens Police Alumni Academy Association, the Galveston Police Explorers Post 102, and members of the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for their volunteer assistance. I also want to thank Chief Wiley and command staff along with Mike Dricks and Paula Ozymy for supporting the event. Finally, I must thank three individuals without whose support the events' success just would not have been. Mike Dean, of Yaga's, single handedly supplied the food for the event. Financial support and volunteer assistance from Dr. Marty Ivey, and wife Bobbie Ivey, was enormously generous.

The need for financial support to cover operating costs and equipment continues. We have received a good bit of feedback supporting the idea of making this an annual event. Until then, we will maintain a stock of t-shirts and koozies for sale in an effort to continue fundraising. I may be reached by phone 409-765-3613 or email: dsims@cityofgalveston.org. Thanks again to all who supported us.

Sgt. Destin Sims
Galveston Police Department Canine Unit