Westlake K9 Unit Focus Of Fundraising Efforts

WESTLAKE, OH —The Westlake Kiwanis Youth Foundation is raising money to add a fourth K9 unit to the Westlake Police Department. To support these efforts, there will be a fundraiser held at Dave & Busters on August 3.

The fundraiser will start at 11 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. at the Dave & Busters at 25735 First Street in Westlake. The festivities will include safety vehicles for kids to check out, safety demonstrations, food and a safety dog.

A Westlake police spokesperson told Patch that 100 percent of all donations will go toward the expenses of the K9 unit, which, so far, has included buying ballistic vests for three dogs. The money has also paid for necessary equipment and training.

The K9 units have helped police stem the tide of the opioid epidemic which has struck Cuyahoga County and Westlake. "These dogs help keep the narcotics out of our hotels and neighborhoods," the spokesperson said in an email.

"They are also a great community outreach tool and have appeared at numerous civic events from school functions to neighborhood block parties. Staying connected to the community who live, work or travel through Westlake is a top priority and the K9 unit is a great outreach tool," the spokesperson added.

The Westlake Kiwanis is accepting donations at the event and via mail for the K9 unit. If you can't make the Dave & Busters event but want to contribute, checks can be made out to Westlake Kiwanis, with a note on or with the check reading "Canine Fund." The check can be mailed to:

Westlake Kiwanis
25935 Detroit Rd., Box 179
Westlake, OH 44145