Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association Hope for Firefighters Fundraiser

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Recently, firefighters from twenty-five Los Angeles Fire Department fire stations gathered in Downtown Los Angeles to participate in a culinary competition and serve delicious food to thousands of citizens and business people as part of the Hope for Firefighters Fundraiser.  Established in 1998, this annual event benefits the Los Angeles Fire Department Widows, Orphans and Disabled Fireman's Fund.

Hope for Firefighters Fundraiser

Several blocks of a busy Los Angeles business district were blocked off for what has become the largest fundraising event of its kind in the United States.  Firefighters from twenty-five stations set up unique booths featuring several culinary delights, ranging from fish tacos to hamburgers to tri-tip sandwiches to funnel cakes.  Area residents and business people flocked to the event, paying for a meal ticket that enabled them to eat this delicious food, which was donated by various local corporate sponsors.

In addition to the proceeds of the lunch tickets, the event raised funds for the families of fallen and disabled firefighters through corporate sponsorship, raffles and the sale of Los Angeles Fire Department merchandise through the Dalmatian Firehouse Store.  According to Captain Steve Ruda of the Los Angeles Fire Department, the event raised over $100,000 in four hours.

The cook-off portion of the event was judged by several prominent local figures, including Tommy Lasorda of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the winners were the firefighters from Los Angeles Fire Station 10, who made Jamaican Jerk Chicken Sandwiches.  The group also won the prize for "Best Booth Design".

Captain David Marino, the President of the Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association, commended the efforts of the Los Angeles firefighters who participated saying, "Everyone of these people out here are raising money for my family if I get hurt, so that's why I take it so dearly to heart.  Each one of these firefighters are out here working the booths.  Most of these people are from the busiest houses in the City of Los Angeles, Downtown, South Central, Hollywood.  It's amazing how these guys all come together.  Half of them worked last night and got 4 or 5 runs after midnight.  They were the first ones here to set up and get ready and go all day."

Attendees were also treated to timed fire muster activities.  Twenty corporate teams competed in several old fashioned firefighting events,including a bucket brigade, a hose pull and a firefighter suit-up.  The winner was the Otis Elevator team.

History of Hope for Firefighters

Hope for Firefighters was originally created by downtown business leaders as a fundraiser in 1998 after four firefighters and a young patient were killed in a fire department helicopter accident.  Founder Paul Linton says of the first event, "We had such a response from the community.  People came up with tears in their eyes saying 'Thank you for doing this'.  So I decided we have to figure out how to make this an annual event."  Since then the fundraiser has grown to become the largest of its kind in America.

Captain Ruda says that firefighters from across the country have come to the Hope for Firefighters event to observe and learn how they can develop this type of fundraiser in their hometowns.  He says that not only does the event raise money for a great cause, but it also builds relationships with the people in the community the firefighters serve.

How to Donate to the Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association

To donate to the Los Angeles Firemen's Relief Association, visit www.LAFRA.org.