Birthday bash raises money for SLOW

One of West Shore residents’ favorite fixtures was the center of a booming event Wednesday night.

A third-birthday party was thrown at Tamarack Brewing Company for officer Lucky, who is the decoy cop that is positioned at various locations around the West Shore in his patrol car.

The event is an annual fundraiser for Saving Lives On the West shore (SLOW), which is the group that funds and operates Lucky and the patrol car.

SLOW is also responsible for the purchasing and installing of the two speed indicator signs at each entrance of Lakeside.

Lucky’s party was attended by about 300 people, keeping with the trait of the event’s attendance growing each year.

“It was grand,” said Deb Newell, who is a founding member of SLOW. “It was a lot of fun and it was very successful. I love that the tradition continues. It has sort of become the beginning of the summer party in Lakeside. However, there were people there from Kalispell, Polson and all over.”

The Tamarack was decorated with red and white balloons for the occasion and guests received “copcakes,” which were police officer-themed cupcakes.

“Even the officers liked them,” Newell said of the 260 desserts that were served. “It was a fun little play on words.”

The final numbers are not in yet, but organizers said that the total amount of money raised at the event accounted for thus far is close to $4,500.

That figure does not include the 75 cents from each pint purchased that night that the Tamarack is donating to the group, as well as funds from others.

“Everyone is saying what a fun party it was,” Newell said. “That’s what it’s supposed to be. I just love that everyone pitches in and makes this successful every year to keep the car on the road.”

In addition to the pint purchases, Lucky’s birthday party attendees helped raise money through a raffle, a silent auction, a photo booth and by purchasing apparel.

It costs SLOW about $3,000 annually to operate Lucky. The group also uses the funds it raises for special projects, like the speed indicator signs. Newell said they are working to put similar signs in Somers next when funds are available.

ADD LUCKY ON FACEBOOK

As if a birthday party with 300 guests isn’t a big enough indicator of his popularity, Lucky recently had a Facebook created in his honor.

Those who would like to “friend” the diligent West Shore cop can find him by searching “Lucky and Omar.” Omar is another name he is known by by his supporters.

SLOW will use the page to update the community about events and projects the group is working on, as well as help spread awareness.