Harrison girl plans ice cream social to raise money for Lower Burrell's police dog, Buc

A Harrison girl known for raising money for area police departments is coordinating an event for Lower Burrell’s police dog, Buc.

Kaley Bastine, 11, will be holding an ice cream social to raise money for Buc from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Mogie’s Irish Pub, 3210 Leechburg Road.

“It’s mostly her,” said Kaley’s mom, Jamie Bastine. “She’s the one that started raising money for the police; me and my husband support her.”

Kaley began fundraising for local law enforcement when she was 6. Over the years, she has sold cupcakes, lemonade, candy and more.

Jamie said her daughter’s Kaley’s Kops initiative has raised about $50,000 that has gone to the Harrison and New Kensington police departments.

Buc joined Lower Burrell’s police force about a year ago. The dog was paid for with a grant from the Officer Brian Shaw Foundation. Shaw, a New Kensington police officer, was killed in the line of duty in 2017. He lived in Lower Burrell and was a Burrell High School graduate.

Officer Aaron Rodgers, Buc’s handler, said the police dog has been an integral part of the department since he came on the force.

“We’re super thankful she’s doing this,” he said.

The event Saturday will feature 50-50 and basket raffles. Live music will be provided by oldies band American Pie.

Kaley said her goal is to raise $10,000. All proceeds will go toward Buc’s care.

“Donations are welcome,” she said.

The Golden Dawn Supermarket in New Kensington is donating the ice cream, and the New Kensington Dairy Queen is providing Dilly bars and ice cream cones, Jamie Bastine said.

“They’re helping us out tremendously,” she said.

Mazziotti Bakery in Lower Burrell is donating cookies, and Sweetie’s in Leechburg will provide “pup cups.”

“Kaley’s been all over the place handing out flyers,” Jamie Bastine said. “That’s how she got all this.”