Lower Burrell honors girl who raised money for police dog

Kaley Bastine was told she had to attend Lower Burrell’s city council meeting this month, but she wasn’t told why.

After the meeting started, though, she was happy to be there.

The city honored Kaley, 11, of Harrison with a proclamation recognizing her efforts to raise money for Lower Burrell’s police dog. Her most recent event was an ice cream social fundraiser she coordinated in August. All proceeds from the fundraiser went to the city’s police dog, Buc.

“They surprised me,” she said.

Kaley held the fundraiser for Buc on Aug. 26 at Mogie’s Irish Pub in Lower Burrell. The event featured ice cream, live entertainment and a basket raffle. She raised $6,705 that day.

“It went well,” Kaley said.

She enjoyed eating ice cream and seeing the police officers.

The money raised during the event will go toward paying for Buc’s training expenses, police said. Buc participates in weekly training sessions.

Kaley began holding fundraisers for local law enforcement when she was 6. Over the years, she has raised about $50,000 for local police, said her mother, Jamie Bastine.

“Kaley Bastine serves as an example to youth through her high level of personal achievements that make the city proud,” reads part of the proclamation.

Kaley said it was “very nerve-wracking” when she was called to be recognized during the meeting, but she was thankful to the city and police.