K-9’s Unveiled is put together by Antonette Jemelka of Portraits by Antonette. She started planning the K-9’s Unveiled event to showcase the artwork of current clients but decided early in the planning process that she wanted the event to have a more significant impact on the community. Her husband started the officer academy in January 2020 and is now is a law enforcement officer. Soon after hitting the streets, he became a K-9 decoy and started learning more about our furry K-9 officers. He realized that departments don’t have budgets for the K-9 unites, so these dogs end up with needs that the departments can’t fill. That’s when Antonette connected with Back the Blue K-9 Force and knew it was the perfect fit for this event.
Back the Blue K-9 Force is a non-profit organization started in 2016 by three Colorado locals: Diane Lewis, Jennifer Leggatt, and Judy Anderson. Law enforcement departments have budgets that cover many needs, and many departments currently do not have funds allocated for K-9 safety and support. That’s where Back the Blue K-9 Force steps in!
The three founders wanted to support their local community, and they knew the safer we keep the K-9’s, the safer they keep their handlers and other officers in the field. The need for protective gear for police dogs and medical procedures never stops, so this non-profit raises money to fill the gap for law enforcement departments to provide the essentials for these hard-working dogs.
K-9’s Unveiled is a way of pulling the community together to support Back the Blue K-9 Force. You can help support the cause by joining us at Behind the Scenes Taphouse on November 16th with live music, drinks, K-9 demos, and a live auction.
Custom Back the Blue K-9 Force sweatshirts designed by The Colorado Store will be available for purchase, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to support our K-9 officers! Can’t make it to the event? The remaining sweatshirts will be available online following the event.
Back the Blue K-9 Force started by helping the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office in 2016 when the non-profit was formed and has since added two more local police departments. They help outfit the departments with new bulletproof K-9 vests, trauma kits, health care, breakaway muzzles, protective footwear and help fund four-legged Heroes in retirement.
K-9’s Unveiled is sponsored by a handful of supportive local businesses, including Portraits by Antonette, Behind the Scenes Taphouse, The Colorado Store, Fox Hollow Animal Hospital, and Dr. Ross Henderson. If you’re looking to positively impact your community, join us on November 16th!
For more information and to RSVP for the event, visit the Facebook event page: K9’s Unveiled: Back the Blue K-9 Force Fundraising Event.
