FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 19, 2022

PENN HILLS ROTARY BEGINS FUNDRAISING FOR NEW PENN HILLS POLICE K9

PENN HILLS, PA - Penn Hills Rotary today announced the formation of the Penn Hills Rotary Police K9 Fund
to raise money for the purchase of a new police K9. The Penn Hills Police Department, at full complement,
includes four police dogs. Penn Hills Rotary is planning several fundraisers over the next few months to
assist in raising money for a new four-legged officer, bringing the department back to full staffing.

“Rotary is deeply appreciative of the first responders in our community. When we heard that the police
department was in need of a new K9, we immediately knew we could step up and raise the money
necessary to purchase a new dog for the department, and for the community,” said Tyler Tomasino, Penn
Hills Rotary President. “Rotary will leverage our popular community events, local businesses partners, and
Penn Hills residents to raise the nearly $15,000 necessary for a new dog. Tax dollars typically aren’t used
for new K9s in most communities as money is typically sourced from grants or foundations. Rotary firmly
believes that our organization is perfectly positioned for such a task. This would be the largest fundraising
effort to date for our 75 year old organization, and I know we can do it. This is who we are, and raising
money for the community is what we do.”

Rotary has two public events planned. The first is “Dogtoberfest,” a pig roast and BBQ on Friday, October
21st from 6-9pm. Tickets are $35 and will include two meats and three side dishes from Addison Avenue
Catering, a Penn Hills business. Also included is dessert and a drink. There will be music, games, and raffles
available throughout the evening. Tickets are on sale today at pennhillsrotary.org/purchase and are
limited in quantity.

The second event is K9 Bingo, on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11th from 6-10pm. Tickets for bingo
are $25 and include six cards for each of the ten games. Also included are water or soft drinks. There are
other games and food available for purchase. Tickets for bingo will go on sale in October. Both
Dogtoberfest and K9 Bingo will be held at the Universal Banquet Hall, 2240 Main Street, Penn Hills. All of
the proceeds from both events will directly benefit the K9 fund.

Local businesses and residents who would like to make a straight donation can do so on the organization’s
website at pennhillsrotary.org/phpdk9, or by contacting the Rotary directly. Donations in excess of $100
will be recognized by the Rotary at public events and on the website.

“These dogs play an important role in our community. They can assist with tracking down a missing
person, or help search for things in ways their human handler simply cannot. More importantly, they are
a way for the police department to interact with the community. Rotary really looks forward to seeing
this fundraiser through,” Tomasino said.

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PRESS CONTACT:
Tyler Tomasino
info@pennhillsrotary.org
(412) 712-7371

Rotary Club of Penn Hills PO Box 17273 Penn Hills, PA 15235 pennhillsrotary.org