Berlin police will host a fundraiser and car show to benefit the department’s K-9 Unit on Aug. 16 at the Berlin Farmers Market.
The money raised will help pay for vet bills, food, equipment, toys and any K9 needs for Radko and Clyde. It will also help their handler, Officer Steve Palma, if the animals need additional assistance.
“The main priority for the money goes to the veterinarian care,’’ Palma said. “It’s a pretty significant expense, specifically for Radko, who has food allergies … It helps out down the road if there is an injury to one of the dogs, just in case. It also provides yearly coverage for shots, bloodwork and food.”
Registration for the fundraiser and car show will be $20 the day of the event and there will be multiple car models for attendees to see, including classic, modified, imports, jeeps and off-road vehicles. Registration will begin at 4 p.m. the day of the event.
“We have gotten a lot of help from our sponsors, specifically the Berlin market, who is letting us utilize their facility … For our vendors and food trucks we elected for a flat fee so the flat fee is their donation/contribution, but also they will receive a percentage of the proceeds,” said Community Relations Officer Joshua Smith.
The event will also feature food trucks, live music, a DJ, and beer garden sponsored by Ollie Gator’s Pub in Berlin. Other vendors will include Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Jeremiah’s Custom Cuisine and Mary’s Mobile Diner.
Fifteen trophies will be awarded for each class as well as three special classes, named after the K-9 unit: “Radko’s Choice,” “Clyde’s Choice” and “Officer’s Choice,” the last presented by Palma. The department has personally thanked all of the many donors from Berlin Borough businesses.
“When I meet [the donors], I can’t express how much it means to me and my family; these dogs are my family, too,” said Palma. “There is a lot of work that goes into these dogs. I really appreciate it and let them know how much [their generosity] means to me.”
Without the donations the K-9 unit could not function,“ Palma added.
Berlin Police donors include: Walter’s Signs, Rosalia’s Pizza of Berlin, ShopRite of West Berlin, C & M Auto of Berlin, Mart Trading Post, Maaco, King of Pizza of Berlin, M. Rosenblatt Roofing & Siding of Berlin, Ollie Gators Pub and Grill and Green Tree Mortgage of Gibbsboro,
