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Community fundraising efforts underway for jail's K9 Kait

With October begins community fundraising efforts for K9 Kait and the Chelan County Regional Justice Center’s drug interdiction program.

In November, Kait, one of only two narcotics-detecting dogs working in a county or city jail in Washington, will begin her third year with the Chelan County jail. A border collie mix who turns 7 years old this month, she is paired with Corrections Deputy Jacob Lewis. Kait has quickly become a key component to the jail’s narcotics detection program, which aims to stop drugs from getting into the county jail.

“We want to create an environment that is drug free,” said Chris Sharp, director of the regional justice center. “Kait plays a major role in helping us reach our goal.”

The jail’s K9 program is supported by donations, including grants, fundraisers, and community and business contributions. A committee of supporters, affectionately known as Team Kait, sets out every fall to raise money for her care. Money raised will help pay for additional training, equipment upkeep, supplies, general care for Kait and emergency medical care if needed.

The October t-shirt and hoodie sale is currently underway. This year, Kait’s paw print was used in the limited design. People can support the program by buying a pullover hoodie or t-shirt designed by and available from CustomInk.com. In adult and youth sizes, the t-shirts and hoodies are available through Nov. 3, with shipping beginning Nov. 22. Shirts are $26 and hoodies are $35.

In addition, watch for these upcoming fundraisers for the Chelan County Regional Justice Center’s K9 program:

  • Oct. 14: Jimmy John’s in Wenatchee, 212 5th St., will donate a portion of its sales that day to K9 Kait. Order anytime from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Kait and Lewis also will be on hand to speak with people 3 to 9 p.m.
  • Oct. 29: Numerica Credit Union and 560 KPQ will host “Post Bail for Kait” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wenatchee Numerica, 812 N. Wenatchee Ave. KPQ’s on-air radio host Dave Bernstein will be broadcasting from location to raise money for his release. Attendees will be able to purchase raffle tickets for prizes donated by local businesses. Families are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes to meet Kait.
  • Dec. 30: At the Wenatchee Wild’s home game on Dec. 30, a portion of the 50/50 fundraiser proceeds will be donated to K9 Kait. Lewis is pre-selling general admission tickets from now until Dec. 23. Tickets are $12 each. Contact Lewis at jacob.lewis@co.chelan.wa.us to purchase tickets.

To learn more about Kait and Deputy Lewis, follow the pair on Instagram (k9_kaitandlewis) and Tik Tok (k9_kaitandlewis).

 

Last Updated: 11/16/2022 02:41 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 05
    Jun 2024
    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on May 8, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, ES Conference Room.
  • 22
    May 2024
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - May 22, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 15
    May 2024
    07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

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    Posted by: Chelan County Assessor

    Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested parties to attend one of four community meetings scheduled this spring throughout the county.

    Chelan County Fire District 3 station