It was a coming-out party on Thursday as the normally low-key Bellevue Police Foundation held its first official fundraiser with notable Eastside business leaders and politicians in attendance.

The organization, which formed in 2007 to support local police officers, has survived up until now on quiet donations from a few wealthy patrons – among them Bellevue developer Kemper Freeman, Jr.

Now the non-profit foundation is looking to cast a wider net, as evidenced by its first fundraising breakfast and the announcement Thursday of a new web site and board of directors.

The group has a goal of bringing in $100,000 this year. It had already raised around $30,000 prior to the breakfast.

Foundation president Jim Melby emphasized that the foundation’s efforts are not meant to take the place of city funding.

“We are not here to replace the city’s budget or funding of the police department,” he said. “What we focus on is targeted activities that help the officers go from good to great.”

To show the kind of support it provides, the foundation brought in “Roc” – a new dog it bought for the city’s K-9 unit – and a bomb disposal robot it helped purchase.

The group also plans to help police with funding for tasers, the city’s forensic-computer lab, wireless surveillance technology, officer training, and awards ceremonies.

Attorney General Rob McKenna was the keynote speaker at Thursday’s breakfast. He spoke about the state’s battle against illegal use of prescription drugs and methamphetamine manufacturing.

Other political dignitaries at the event included state Representative Ross Hunter and Bellevue City Council members Jennifer Robertson and Kevin Wallace.

Bellevue Police Chief Linda Pillo was also at the event.

“Knowing our community supports us means so much,” she told the audience.