By April Rodgers | FreeWire Your News Your Voice
BUCYRUS — The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 181 will host its 27th Annual Make and Bake Auction on Saturday, January 24, 2026, with proceeds benefiting the Bucyrus Police Department K-9 Unit.
The fundraiser will take place at the American Legion located at 123 E. Rensselaer St. in Bucyrus. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the live auction beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature auction items, baked goods, and raffles. Auction items will include handcrafted wood and stained-glass pieces, gift cards, baked goods, and generous donations from many local businesses. Raffles will also be held, including a 50/50 drawing.
This year’s proceeds will be awarded to the Bucyrus Police Department K-9 Unit following a donation request submitted to the American Legion Auxiliary by Officer Austen Conner, an Army veteran and K-9 handler with the Bucyrus Police Department. In his letter, Conner outlined the need to replenish the department’s K-9 fund after the recent purchase of a third K-9 reduced available reserves and raised concerns about covering unexpected expenses.
In the letter, Conner emphasized the role K-9 teams play in public safety.
“K-9 Vader and I are going to work proactively to keep dangerous drugs off the streets. As you know, narcotics are rarely a standalone issue; drug activity is often the nexus to other crimes such as theft, violence, and property offenses,” Conner wrote.
Conner also explained that maintaining a healthy reserve allows the department to respond quickly to unforeseen medical needs, specialized training requirements, and equipment replacements without burdening taxpayers or delaying care for the department’s K-9 partners.
Beth Bloomfield and Connor Teters are serving as co-chairpersons for this year’s Make and Bake fundraiser. Bloomfield said the decision to support the K-9 unit was an easy one for the Auxiliary.
“Our K-9s play a critical role in keeping Bucyrus safe,” Bloomfield said. “They help remove drugs from our streets.” Teters nodded, adding “The K-9s support officers in ways that directly benefit the entire community.”
Auxiliary member Maggie Ohler said participation in the Make and Bake reflects the organization’s commitment to helping those in need.
“Because we raise money for individuals or organizations that need help,” Ohler said. “We feel it’s our duty to help others.”
Ohler will be contributing her sloppy joes to the event.
Food available for purchase will include hot dogs, sloppy joes, coney dogs, chips, and water, along with additional beverages. K-9 Capone and K-9 Vader are expected to make appearances during the event.
Those unable to attend but wishing to support the fundraiser may donate auction items or monetary contributions. Donations may be dropped off at the American Legion Canteen, mailed to the address above with attention to “Make and Bake,” or coordinated through any Auxiliary member.
For questions or to donate, contact Beth Bloomfield at 419-569-4665 or rbnabloom@aol.com, or Connor Teters at 419-563-4626 or tetersco@hotmail.com.
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