The University of Central Florida’s Police Department is adding a new dog to its K-9 team, and the agency is asking for the community’s help to cover the cost.
UCF Police will host a magic show Thursday, Nov. 13, to raise money for the new dog and its training and equipment. The dog will join the department next month.
Displays, meet and greets with officers and photo opportunities with UCFPD’s K-9 team will start in the Student Union at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Doors to the Cape Florida Ballroom will open at 7 p.m., and illusionist Jimmy Rook will start his comedic magic show at 7:30 p.m.
Rook, who has performed at the Mystic Dunes Resort in Kissimmee, at the Improv Comedy Club and on “America’s Got Talent,” has been entertaining audiences for more than 15 years.
Tickets cost $5 for students and $10 for non-students and can be purchased at the door.
Free parking will be available in Garage D, and volunteers from UCFPD’s Student Escort Patrol Service will offer golf cart rides from the garage to the Student Union.
Upon entry, all ticket buyers will be able to submit an appropriate, profanity-free suggested name for the new dog, and the name will be selected during the show as part of a special magic trick. Dog names also can be submitted through Eventbrite.
Special guests at the event will include police dogs from other local agencies, Knightro and radio personalities from XL 106.7.
Raffle tickets will be available for cash purchase, and items will include gear from WWE, UCF Athletics, UCF Police, the Wizardz Magic Theater, local restaurants and more.
UCF criminal justice students also will sell paw print cookies and chocolate handcuffs at the door with all proceeds benefiting UCFPD.