by James Coulter
What could be more American than a steak dinner? How about a steak dinner raising proceeds for local law enforcement?
The Lakeland Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (LCPAAA) hosted its 15th annual steak dinner and silent auction on Friday evening at First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland.
More than 320 tickets were sold for the event, which featured a steak dinner, a silent auction for several door prizes, and comedy routines performed by local comedians.
Proceeds from the event go toward the LCPAAA, a local organization that performs fundraising for the LPD and its many programs and services, including its K9 Unit, Explorer’s Program, and Cops for Kids Program.
Around Christmas, the LCPAAA will be offering Christmas gifts and meals to underprivileged people in the Lakeland area. They also help offer additional financing for many special programs and events including the Special Olympics, explained Jack McHugh, LCPAAA President.
“Most of the canines that you see on LPD currently were purchased raised by the (LCPAAA),” said Jack McHugh. “It is a very good turnout this evening. I usually aim for about 300 people. And we have about 320 tickets sold. It is a really good crowd tonight.”
Aside from being able to enjoy a steak dinner, bid on prizes, and listen to comedy, participants that evening were able to meet many of the dogs within the K9 unit. Not only are they good police dogs, but they are also socialized to be around other people.
“It is great to have this set up and have all these people participating in these activities,” he said. “I love to see the community involved. The attendance that we have right now is a good showing that we have a lot of community support.”
