The Pella Area Community and Economic Alliance donated $5,150 to the Pella Police Department K-9 fundraiser. The money was generated during its annual Charity Golf Outing on Friday, August 20. Golf Committee Chairs Tim Te Grootenhuis and Vicki Cowman along with committee members Angela Arkema, Sarah Treft, Matt Sherlock, Mary Mansfield, and Karen Eischen organized this year’s CADDYSHACK themed golf event with an extra purpose in mind – to give back to those who protect and secure the safety of our community, which has become a traditional part of the annual outing.

Golfers and sponsors raised the funds to assist in the purchase of a K9 Unit, which includes both the equipped vehicle and the trained dog. The Pella Police K9 will be trained to find lost children and people in distress, tracking criminal suspects, school, church and resident facility meet and greets, and Narcotics detection. The total cost is $75,000.

“It was an honor to raise money for the Pella Police Department. They give so much to this community through the Citizen’s Police Academy, educating students and parents in our local schools, and keeping our community safe. PACE members and businesses in Pella and the surrounding area came together for a day of fun to rally behind our police department. The K9 Unit will be a great addition,” said Chairman Vicki Cowman.

The PACE Alliance golf event brought together a record 134 members/golfers, 30 sponsors, 29 volunteers and members of the Central Golf Team for a day of business on the golf course while raising funds to support ongoing PACE Alliance initiatives.