Auction items revealed for “Paws for Laws” fundraiser
HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WETM) – Nearly 100 items, including concert tickets, fishing charters, barbecue grills, a custom guitar and even a helicopter ride, are going up for auction May 18th at the Horseheads Elks Lodge.
It’s all for the 10th annual “Paws for Laws” fundraiser to support New York State Police K-9 Unit at Troop E in Horseheads. The Elks Lodge is located on 6 Prospect Hill Road. The event runs from noon to 6pm.
“I think this may be the biggest. I think it will be the most attended, I hope,” said organizer Renee Chalk. She first started holding fundraisers a decade ago in her own backyard.
Chalk says New York State covers the cost of buying a K-9, food, medical bills and leashes and collars. But the officer has to pay for things like toys, bedding or a K-9 bullet-proof vest, which can cost several thousand dollars.
The event will also feature demonstrations from two K-9’s. One of them is AJ, who joined Troop E earlier this year. He was named after fallen state trooper Andrew Sperr.
New York State Police K-9 named after late Trooper Andrew Sperr
The Elks Lodge also says it will serve its famous chicken barbecue. The band “Blue Eyed Soul” will be playing from 2-6 p.m. Admission to the event is $15, or $10 with a bag of dog or cat food.
“I actually I go out and I ask different vendors and stuff if they’re willing to donate items for our auction,” said Chalk. “I have a customized guitar that was actually made by a state trooper that’s retired in honor of a fallen trooper. I have fishing charters in Lake Ontario. I have local charters. I have helicopter rides. I have bull riding tickets. I have Seabreeze, I have the Science Center in Ithaca memberships. The list just goes on and on. I probably will have 100 total items to be auctioned off. There will be three separate auctions at the event. The drawings will take place on the band’s brakes, so people will know when to come in for that.”
Auction Items
2 Fishing charters on Lake Ontario
1 Fishing charter on lake of your choice in our area, or he will also go to Lake Ontario
1 Two hour cruise for 4 people on Keuka Lake
1 Pontoon boat for day at Seneca Lake
2 Weekend passes at Nascar Race
2 Weekend passes at IMSA Race
Customized Bass guitar made be a retired trooper in honor of a trooper killed in the line of duty. Company name is Play It Forward.
2 Season passed to Pioneers
4 Tickets to Abba concert
4 Tickets to Jump & Strutter Concert
2 Tickets to Lou Gramm Concert
2 Tickets to Cooper Alan Concert
2 tickets to Abducted by the 80’s Concert
2 BBQ Grills
1 Smoker
Membership to Science Center in Ithaca
Seabreeze tickets
Golf at Elmira / Corning Country club, Mark Twain, Willow Creek, Soaring Eagles, and the 2024 Twin Tiers Gold which is 14 courses to play
Hunting pkg from Hesslesons – tree stand, target , 2 ammo cans, gun case
Keuka Lake Diamond Necklace / Seneca Lake Opal Necklace – from Gold silver and diamond
Coleman Cooler picnic basket – full of blanket, toys, and smores making
Overnight stays to Glenora, and Harbor Inn
Autographed Football with COA from NY Giants, along with a bottle of wine from them
Facsimile signed auto pic from NY Jets
Cooler from Buffalo Bills
Corona Bicycle
Dog toy / harness basket
Customized Corn Hole Board
Captain Bills Seneca Dinner Cruise
100 gift card to Greek Peak
100 gift card to Kookalrocks
100 gift card Wegmans
75 gift card Hamilton Meats
Maurices gift card / basket
Peter Harris gift card
Numerous restaurant gift certificates / bottles of wine
Helicopter Ride
2 plant stands
Flowers from Chamberlain Acres
Customized dog statue
New York State Police K-9 named after late Trooper Andrew Sperr
As we first reported in March, Renee Chalk says an idea in her backyard a decade ago has grown into an event that raises thousands of dollars every year.
“This actually started in my backyard. I just invited friends over and I did an auction. I hired a DJ. People had to pay $5 to get in. We had a bidding stick which was made out of tongue depressors and paper. At that year, I just bought a bulletproof vest for the dog. Now I’ve upgraded obviously, and we purchase dogs for them.”
Chalk says New York State pays for most of the cost of buying a new K-9. The price can range from $9,000 to $15,000 depending on the breed and level of training.
“So, New York State allocates X number of dollars each year for dogs,” said Chalk. “New York State will pay for all of the dog’s food, medical bills, and will provide collar and leashes. But it’s up to the officer to provide toys, bedding, bulletproof vests, and all of that stuff. If the officer chooses to have a better trained, more qualified dog, the difference from what New York State has set aside comes out of the officers pocket.”
Chalk says a bulletproof can cost several thousand dollars and is not meant to last for the dog’s lifetime.
“The vest itself can range anywhere from 3200 and up, but each vast has to be form-fitted per dog, and that can’t be passed down to another dog if the older dog retires or anything like that,” Chalk added. “And the filling inside the vest only lasts up to three years. Because when the dog moves, everything inside moves in that vest, so eventually the vest has to be replaced as well.”
Chalk says her live auctions are known for featuring big ticket items that are donated. She also involves local businesses who want to participate.
“This year. I’ve actually incorporated bronze, silver and gold tables for businesses where they can purchase the table to attend will get free admissions. They’ll get free raffle tickets and stuff like that depending upon which level that they purchase.”
“What drives you to do this? Why is it important for people to get involved in this fundraiser?” asked reporter Nick Dubina.
“My own thought is, if men and women are willing to put on a uniform every day and go out and risk their lives to protect strangers like you and I, the least I can do is give back to them,” Chalk said.
If you would like to donate or get involved, you can reach out to Renee Chalk at 607-426-7221. You can also email: reneechalk@icloud.com
Checks can also be mailed to: Renee Chalk 1218 W Water St Elmira, NY 14905. Please make checks payable to NYS POLICE K9 DIV TROOP E.
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