From left to right: PFC Claude Clevenger and K9 Eno, PFC Byron Clark, Mr. Kevin Wedding, SGT Haven Smith, Sheriff Troy Berry, K9 Trainer Billy Cotton, Ms. Leesa Langley, Mr. Vince Houchin, CPL Sean Brown, and CPL Renee Cuyler and K9 Cooper
Waldorf, MD – The Greater Waldorf Jaycees is well known throughout Charles County as an outstanding community service organization, and recently the CCSO K9 Unit benefitted from their kindness and generosity.
On Friday, May 20, the Jaycees held a “Designer Purse Bingo” event to raise money to purchase K9 protective vests. The community responded with overwhelming support. In the largest turnout for a bingo event that the Jaycees has ever seen, hundreds gathered as $20,270 was raised for the cause. Members of the CCSO Command Staff, including Sheriff Troy Berry and Major Chris Becker, and K9 officers were present and even helped to “model” the prize purses and bags for the participants as they played.
The idea for the event came from the Greater Waldorf Jaycees President, Mr. Vince Houchin, and Ms. Leesa Langley’s coordination and planning made it a success.
“Vince presented me with the idea in February. I work in law enforcement, and in my position I work with K9 officers and their K9 partners all over the US. When Vince pitched the idea, it was a no-brainer for me,” said Ms. Langley, Project Chairperson. “Our goal was to raise the funds needed to purchase the 11 vests needed for the dogs currently employed by CCSO. With our many sponsors and the support of our community, we far exceeded that goal. Not only can we purchase all 11 vests, but we will now be able to assist with purchasing new training equipment which will allow them to continue to be the exemplary unit that our community appreciates and depends on.”
The Jaycees presented a check to the CCSO K9 Unit on Wednesday, June 8. Charles County Sheriff Troy Berry and the officers from within the K9 Unit were overwhelmed by the generosity of the Greater Waldorf Jaycees, business sponsors, and community members who supported this effort.
“Our dedicated K9 partners are an essential part of the CCSO’s mission to protect and serve in our community,” said Sheriff Berry. “We are extremely humbled and grateful for the support shown for the work of our K9 Unit.”
Sponsors for the event included: Old Line Bank, GT Aviation, Charles Co FOP Lodge 24, Law Office of Hammad S. Matin, P.A., Andrews Federal Credit Union, Weldon Management Solutions, H&L Burgess, Inc., Gillian’s Pier, Waldorf Volkswagen, Captain Pete Charters, La Tolteca, Mudd, Mudd & Fitzgerald, Maureen Galgan, P.A., Texas Ribs, Gary Simpson at Olde Towne Insurance, MD Martial Arts, Apehangers Bar and Grill, Pawfessional Pet Care, Bone-A-Fied Friends Forever, SOMD Memorial Amvets, Community Bank of the Chesapeake, Ledo’s Pizza, Perfectly Posh, Newburg Service Center, Elaine Morgan – Realtor with Century 21, Animal Control Board, On Duty Supply, Charles County Auto Body, Off the Hook Entertainment, and Jimmy’s Towing and Auto Service.
The next Designer Bag Bingo event is scheduled to take place on June 24 and will benefit The Catherine Foundation. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact jayceepursebingo@yahoo.com.
