Ninth-grade students at Ben Franklin Junior High School will hold a fundraiser to benefit the Portage County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, in the lower section of Whiting Park.

Ben Franklin teacher Art Greco’s World of Business class organized the fundraiser as part of its project-based learning experience.

Tickets for the event are $1 and will include a fishing tournament, kid’s games and face painting in addition to special appearances by the Portage County K-9 unit and Sheriff Mike Lukas.

“We’re hoping to have a really nice turnout for this event, so we’re inviting the whole community,” Greco said.

Several local businesses have donated food and prizes for the event, which will go on rain or shine.

People interested in making donations to the student fundraiser can make checks out to Ben Franklin Junior High School – Memo: WOB, 2000 Polk St., Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481, attention to Art Greco.

The students organized the event themselves, with assistance from Greco, as part of an authentic learning experience in understanding how businesses are operated and how business professionals network in the community.

The class hopes to raise at least $1,500 to present to the K-9 unit before school is out. So far, students have raised more than $260 for their cause by selling baked goods to teachers and fellow students at the school.

The Portage County K-9 unit assists local law enforcement in taking illegal narcotics off the streets of local communities.

Chief Deputy Dan Kontos said the program is run entirely by private donations.

For more information, contact Greco at 715-345-5413 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday or by email at [email protected]