Back the Blue fundraiser in Lower Burrell expands in fifth year

The Alle-Kiski community came together on a blazing hot Saturday to honor the fallen officers and those who cared for them in what organizers said was the fundraiser’s biggest event ever.

The annual Back the Blue police fundraiser was held at Mogie’s Irish Pub in Lower Burrell on Saturday afternoon into the evening, and featured a car cruise and car show, bands playing live music, a 50-50 raffle and fireworks.

Jack Connor of Allegheny Township, one of the event organizers, said this year’s fireworks show was scheduled to last 45 minutes, triple the length of previous years.

He said the event expanded significantly this year, taking up nearly all of the Mogie’s parking lot.

“This is the biggest one we have ever had,” Connor said. “We are seeing tons of support.”

Audra Balla, of New Kensington, helped organize the event with her husband, Ron. She was happy to see the support on a day when temperatures pushed into the mid-90s by early afternoon. She said it showed how dedicated the community is to supporting its police officers.

The fundraiser took on extra meaning this year because of the deaths of Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire and pub owner David “Mogie” Magill, who was active in the police community, she said.

Balla said she saw an outpouring of support for this year’s fundraiser, with more volunteers and sponsors, compared to previous years.

“We have an incredible community,” she said.

Funds raised will benefit police departments in New Kensington, Arnold, Lower Burrell, Upper Burrell, Harrison and Allegheny Township, as well as the Tunnels to Towers charity, which benefits families of 9/11 first responders.

The fundraiser started five years ago, Balla said, to honor Allegheny Valley police officers killed in the line of duty, such as Lower Burrell police Officer Derek Kotecki and New Kensington police Officer Brian Shaw.

At noon, more than 100 cars participated in a 50-minute car cruise around Lower Burrell and its surrounding communities. Owners of classic cars, sports cars and souped-up trucks showed off their wheels in support of the event.

Ron Balla said he was happy with the turnout and that it’s another example of how support has grown for police in the area. Money raised from the car show benefited Mogie’s Mission, a charity that benefits local youth groups and organizations.

Leslie Zellers of Allegheny Township helped the Ballas organize the fundraiser. She said the group expects to raise $12,000 to $15,000 for local police departments. Expectations were for more than 1,000 people to attend the event throughout the day, she said.

Zellers is the widow of former New Kensington police Chief Ron Zellers, who died unexpectedly in 2011 while off duty.

“It is so important that police officers know that they are supported,” Zellers said.

Entertainment during the fundraiser included bagpipe music from retired police Officer Jason Syskay, live rock bands, a 50-50 raffle, and an auction of Back the Blue-themed artworks made by area students.

Marissa Pastoris of Springdale said she was glad to come out and support the fundraiser.

“I think everyone needs to come together to support our police. They are the backbone of this community,” she said.