Orland Fire District Foundation holds fundraiser Thursday May 2
The Orland Fire Protection District Foundation held its annual fundraiser reception Thursday May 2, 2013 at 94 West Restaurant in Orland Park.
Foundation committee members, comprised of community members and fire district employees, determined this year's event will support three specific groups including the Kids Fire and Life Safety Camp, the
Community CARE Program, and the Residential Knox Box Program.
Community CARE provides training for individuals and businesses in CPR, AED and PADS.
The Kids Fire and Safety Camp is a weeklong children's camp hosted every summer by the Orland Fire Protection District to teach children fire safety practices and to understand fire prevention.
Activities include Combat challenge, CPR/First Aid, weather preparedness, fire prevention, Fire Safety Trailer, using fire hose, watching live fire and EMS scenarios, water day and many other activities The camp attracts as many as 60 children from the district each year.
The Residential Knox Box Program loans out boxes to elderly individuals who have debilitating medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, and limited mobility. These boxes safely store keys so firefighters can enter a residence without damaging a door upon emergency entry.
"All of these programs are critical to raising fire prevention and emergency care awareness in our community. This education of the community assists firefighter response," Patti Brucki, a member of the committee said.
Although there are some fees associated with the programs, funds raised by the Orland Fire Foundation help to keep those costs down to make them available to everyone.
The Orland Fire Foundation is a 501 ( C ) 3 organization providing fire prevention and public safety awareness to the Orland Fire Protection District. The Foundation was reconstituted last year after a short hiatus. All Donations are tax deductible.
Brucki urged residents and businesses who wish to help the Fire District and to support the programs to contact her and consider sponsorship levels. Brucki can be reached at 708-288-1643.
The Foundation accepted and raffled off a wide array of donations, such as Gift Certificates, Themed Baskets, Sports Memorabilia, Toys, Golf Packages, Jewelry or Event Tickets, for example, will be used for raffles to raise more funds during the event.
The Foundation also accepted donations of non-perishable food items for the Orland Township food pantry.
Tickets for the Foundation event were $50 each. Attendees enjoyed appetizers and entertainment by Jimmy "O" and Rhonda Lee.Guests were photographed on an OFPD fire truck.
Photos courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District
