In what has become one of Statesboro's favorite events, An Evening for the K9s 2024 in in the books and was a resounding success. The two day event kicked off on Friday evening June 21st at Crossroads Community Church and the main event was held at Ogeechee Technical College on Saturday evening. Over 1,000 K9 supporters attended and the event which again raised $300,000 according to Tracy Mallory who helps lead the event.
The Georgia Police K9 Foundation, which began in Statesboro in 2016, was founded by a group of K9 handlers seeking support for retired K9s. It quickly became clear that K9s across the state needed assistance in terms of resources.
"Our foundation started to help retired K9s; since then, we have also helped active K9s. We’ve made a state-wide impact by helping over 5,000 K9s, and we have been globally recognized by many other organizations and assisted them in helping their areas," said Kyle Briley, President and Founder of the Georgia Police K9 Foundation.
The foundation has supported over 5,000 K9s with ballistic vests, heat alarms, training, training equipment, and retirement needs.
The non-profit hosts this event to fundraise for their mission, offering attendees a chance to see the amazing K9s up close, though not in their field roles. Professionals demonstrated the K9s' skills outside the Joseph E. Kennedy Building.
The event attracted people nationwide, featuring meet and greets, photo ops, and demonstrations. This year, the event was both in-person and virtual, with Miranda Winter hosting a live stream for those unable to attend. Statesboro auctioneer Joe Lanier provided live commentary on the action.
Upon entering the building, attendees found tables filled with raffle items, including guitars, grills, cornhole boards, outdoor game supplies, spirits, and more. One auction item sold for $5,000.
Statesboro's Core Credit Union assisted with merchandise sales, and the Statesboro Jaycees provided food. Supporters worked hard to beat the heat throughout the event.
What does it mean to have the K9 event here in Statesboro?
"The event here in Statesboro signifies that our city is growing, and we are glad to be making an economic impact in the community where we started this foundation," said Briley. Despite the success of hosting the Evening for the K9s event in Statesboro over the years, next year will bring a change.
"Based on the amazing supporters and feedback and after many years of being in our hometown, this specific event, which is and always will be under our foundation's name with our great board members and volunteers, will be headed to Columbus, Ga. The new venue location offers a 50,000 square foot indoor space. Don’t worry, we will have something special scheduled for a new event in Statesboro also!" Briley added.
To learn more about the Georgia Police K9 Fountain, visit their website.
To view last year's coverage, click here: "An Evening for the K9s" fundraiser draws nationwide support and raises $300,000