MEXICO — The Mexico Police Explorers are hosting their first-ever comedy night to raise funds for the youth organization.

“A Night of Laughs” will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 4, at the Mountain Valley High School auditorium in Rumford. Admission is $10, and the show, which features three New England comedians, is not recommended for youngsters under age 13.

Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Also, East Coast Marketing Group, based in Westbrook, is calling area businesses and individuals asking for donations for the Explorers group. In return, advertisements for the businesses will be placed in a brochure that will be passed out the night of the show. Free tickets to the performances will also be given to those who donate, with the number of tickets contingent upon the amount of donation.

Mexico police Chief James Theriault said the group may call and identify themselves as ECMG. When someone agrees to make a donation, the marketing company will request that the check be made out to the Mexico Police Explorers and not to anyone else or any other organization.

Some residents in the community have questioned whether the callers are actually calling on behalf of the Explorers group.

Theriault said the group is legitimate and has conducted similar fundraisers for other nonprofit organizations.

The Mexico Police Explorers Post 364 currently has 14 members and is open to any youngster from age 14 to 21. Young people get a chance to learn about policing, participate in community service and can attend a police camp for their age group. The local group is open to any youngster from throughout Oxford County.

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