Lower Providence Police Association to Hold Comedy Night

The Lower Providence Police Association (LPPA) is looking to increase its community presence and engagement.

“We want to start fundraising events, fun things in the community, in order to raise the funds to continue our long-term goals,” Cpl. , LPPA president said.

Kuhnert, who is in his first year as LPPA president, explained that the primary goal of the LPPA is to be the collective bargaining agent for the township’s police force. However, the need for such a function only happens when negotiations for police contracts occur.

“During the in-between years, we take on a more philanthropic role,” Kuhnert said.

According to Kuhnert, the LPPA provides monetary donations or support for several local non-profit organizations, including:

• 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk

• Caring and Sharing

• Autism Awareness

• Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County

The LPPA has also donated funds to help the township with its Christmas decorations.

“We think it’s important to help out with the organizations,” Kuhnert said. “We have contact with the community and we like to give back.”

The LPPA also supports Lower Providence officers who have taken ill or have been injured.

In addition, Kuhnert said the LPPA supports police officers in other municipal departments, such as when the organization provided large funds to a Bensalem Township police officer whose apartment was lost due to fire last year.

Kuhnert said one of his major goals for the LPPA would provide a supplement to health benefits for retired police officers.

LPPA’s First Comedy Night with Joe Conklin

In the past, the LPPA raised funds by selling such items as t-shirts, vanity plates or car window decals with the LPPA logo on them. Recently, the LPPA has started an annual Fund Drive, during which the LPPA raises funds through a letter campaign.

The organization’s new website (www.lowerprovidencepoliceassociation.com) also has opportunities for local businesses to advertise.

However, Kuhnert said he would like to see LPPA members more engaged with the community, which means producing or participating in more events.

According to Lower Providence Police officer Dan McGuffin, the LPPA had considered organizing a Comedy Night fundraising event for several years.

“West Norriton has golf. Whitpain has car shows,” McGuffin said. “We thought it would be kind of unique.”

The first LPPA Comedy Night has been slated for Oct. 6, from 7 – 11 p.m. at the IBEW Local 380 in Collegeville.

Joe Conklin, locally celebrated radio and television personality and comedian, is scheduled to headline this event.

“Anybody who follows sports would know him,” McGuffin, who is coordinating the LPPA Comedy Night, said. “I’ve seen him four times myself.”

According to Conklin’s website (www.joeconklin.com), the comedian is known as the “Man of a Thousand Voices,” whose stand-up routine features impressions of Barack Obama, Cole Hamels, Allen Iverson and Charles Barkley.

“It will be a fun night,”  McGuffin said.

Both Kuhnert and McGuffin hope to sell enough tickets to sell out the 475-seat union hall.

Kuhnert also noted that the LPPA Comedy Night shares the same Oct. 6 date as Lower Providence Township’s Fall Festival.

“It could be a good day for the residents of Lower Providence,” Kuhnert said. “Fall Fest during the day and comedy at night.”

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Want to Go to the LPPA Comedy Night?

• When – Oct. 6
• Time – 7 – 11 p.m.
• Where – IBEW Local 380, located at 3900 Ridge Pike in Collegeville.
• Price – $30

Refreshments, including  soft drinks and sandwiches, will be served. This event is also B.Y.O.B.

For more information, call 267-249-3081, e-mail info@lowerprovidencepoliceassociation.com or visit http://lowerprovidencepoliceassociation.com/.