Bluffton Township Fire District established a Cooking Team, about 12-13 years ago, primarily smoking butts every November, 100% proceeds donated to a local child in need just before Chrristmas. First year raising $5500 and the tenth year busting $20,000. 100k generated in total over the ten years. I was heavily involved, but not a Team member, and always in the shadows, gathering sponsors, silent auction items, supplying coolers, making deliveries to on duty FF who supported, and ordered meals from HHIFD, local schools and businesses.
I volunteered 8 years in NJ, and was career almost 23. I'm not into the Hero Syndrome, left the reporters, television crews, and Department Awards to the new, Post 9-11 FF's!
Hardest part was sometimes the following year, the recipient from previous year would attend. Sometimes there was a funeral within that year. Tough stuff. Ever seen a Pink Child sized casket at the alter?
I'm looking for a new outlet and this sounds really cool, because I never served in the Military, but now share with a common disorder/disease.
Michael.
|