Community Corner
TK's Car Show, Silent Auction Benefits K9 Unit
The K9 unit at the West St. Paul Police Department serves the Mendota Heights area, and relies on donations to operate.
in Lilydale is preparing for their Saturday, Aug. 4 to benefit the West St. Paul Police Department’s K9 unit.
They’re looking for silent auction items, and of course, cars and motorcycles ready for a day in the spotlight—or sunshine, in this case.
Admission is free and open to the public.
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The West St. Paul PD K9 unit, officer Carl Elam and his German shepherd Mike, serve both West St. Paul and the police forces.
The first year of the car show was simply for the sake of something fun to do in the summer months. The event is coordinated by Koury's daughter Melissa Erdman.
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“It’s a family affair. We usually have the entire family here working,” said Koury.
But after Koury learned that Elam, a longtime friend, paid for some of Mike’s expenses out of his own pocket, including food, medication, toys, equipment and some vet care, he dedicated the following years to raising money for the K9 program.
The entire K9 program in West St. Paul is funded through donations instead of taxpayer dollars, according to Lt. Brian Sturgeon of the West St. Paul Police Department.
“We’ve got a couple major donors, including TK’s Coffee,” said Sturgeon. in Inver Grove Heights is also a major contributor to the program, he said.
The first year of TK’s car show raised $500 from the silent auction and car registration fees. Last year the event raised $2,100.
“Whatever we get we give back to them,” said Koury.
Motorcycles were added to the mix last year. Koury has an all-custom trike that you can often see parked at the River Bluffs Shopping Center on nice days, but the car of his dreams is a Plymouth Road Runner—“The early years.”
This year, former Vikings player Joey Browner has committed to stopping by for the event, and the Kourys are lining up special auction items through their community contacts.
Sturgeon said eventually the department would like to get a second K9 pair on the streets, all made possible by the community. “It’s great that we have these donors,” said Sturgeon.
To participate in the car show:
$15 registration donation for a car or motorcycle
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4
Free coffee and scone with registration
Check in begins at 9 a.m.
Donations can also be sent to the West St. Paul PD:
West St. Paul Police Department
Attn: Canine Program
1616 Humboldt Ave
West St. Paul, MN 55118
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