‘Zombie Ball’ to benefit Monessen Police K-9 units

Oct. 18--It's no secret to many who know Monessen police Chief John Mandarino that he is a fan of "The Walking Dead" -- AMC network's popular zombie-themed TV show.

"Don't even try to get a hold of me between 9 and 10 p.m. (Sundays)," Mandarino said. "The Walking Dead is the No. 1 show on TV. Everybody seems to be zombie crazy."

Mandarino has taken the zombie craze a step further. His department will host its first Zombie Ball from 8 p.m. to midnightNov. 1 at the Monessen Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 Social Hall.

The event is for ages 21-and-older and zombie-themed costumes are strongly encouraged. Tickets cost $20 and includes dinner, beer and soft drinks, along with music by DJ April. Proceeds benefit the Monessen police and its K-9 fund.

"We've done so many fundraisers but you can only do so many spaghetti dinners, golf outings and poker runs," Mandarino said. "There are times we did four fundraisers a year. We tried to do something different this time."

There will be prizes for costumes. Those awarded for the best male and female costume will be honored as king and queen of the event.

Area businesses and individuals are also being asked to submit donations.

"For $50, we're going to put your name on the back of our T-shirt," Mandarino said. "For any donations above $100, there will be a tombstone with the name of the business or donor hanging up on the wall."

Monessen has two K-9 units: Lt. Brian Vitale and K-9 Officer Ivo, and Officer Aaron Thompson and K-9 Officer Uri.

"The cost of maintaining our dogs generally isn't taken out of taxpayers' money," Thompson said. "It can still get pretty expensive. Insurance, vet bills, training, boarding, supplies, things that we might not be able to afford from our normal budget."

The department held a logo contest for the Zombie Ball.

Kelly Edgar of Fredericktown submitted the winning design which will be printed on T-shirts to commemorate the event.

"We hope that this catches on and becomes a yearly tradition," Mandarino said. "It's going to be a ghastly good time."

Only 300 tickets are available for the event and are being sold in advance.

To purchase tickets or make a donation, contact the Monessen police department at 724-684-4620.

Tickets can also be purchased between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the police station.

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