Meatball dinner to benefit La Crosse Police K-9s

The La Crosse Police Department’s K-9s are wagging tails at an upcoming fundraiser.

The Apartment Association of the La Crose Area will host the 3rd Annual La Crose Police Department Meatball Dinner Saturday, Oct. 19. Proceeds from the dinner benefit the city’s K-9 units. Pamela Strittmater, Apartment Association of the La Crosse Area president, said although the city receives dogs with taxpayer dollars, other costs are not covered.

“All of their training, food, vet bills, protective vests, and the kennels for the cars are all paid for by donations from private citizens,” Strittmater said. “It is really important that our communities step up and help to fund this really important program that we have here in the city.”

In the past two years, the fundraiser raised a total of $10,000 for the police department. The original event started as a way for the Apartment Association to become more connected in the community, according to Strittmater. She noted how police dogs assist with the opioid crisis and other crime incidents.

“We always have a desire to help our neighborhoods and to help our community be safe,” Strittmater said.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. and lasts until 7 p.m. at the American Legion on 6th and Market St. Organizers recommended those interested attend early to guarantee a meal. The cost is $10 per ticket. The meal includes a meatball dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy, salad and a vegetable. The K9 units and their handlers will be in attendance to perform demonstrations. The event also includes a silent auction and bake sale.