Ladder 49 Preview Brings in $38,000
Santa Barbara City Chief Warner McGrew with Ladder 49 Event Chair Betty Stephens
Santa Barbara, California (pop. 95,000) -- The Santa Barbara Firefighters Alliance is a local volunteer non-profit whose mission is to raise money to support firefighters in the city and county. Thermal imagers are at the top of the list of items to be purchased when the group reaches its goals. On Sept. 30, 2004, the day before the national theater opening of Ladder 49, the group made its official debut with a preview showing of the movie. Approximately 600 people came to the event. With proceeds from the sale of $25 tickets, as well as a number of generous individual contributions, the event brought in a total of $38,000. The Alliance is planning a Fire Ball as its next big event, slated for early 2005.
Co chairs of the Ladder 49 event, from left, Marissa Koke, Ginger Wolf, Adrienne Schuele, JoEllen Sadecki, and Joi Stephens
Captain Franc Chacon: “Nothing like this has ever been done for the equipment and welfare of Santa Barbara firefighters. This is really exciting for us... I want to commend the volunteers who are part of the Alliance. They’re such go-getters. The level of support out there for firefighters is amazing and overwhelming.”
Santa Barbara Firefighter Alliance president David Sadecki (center) discusses event happenings with Rene Koke (left), and SBFA vice president Franc Chacon
Funding Tip: The Santa Barbara Firefighters Alliance was formed solely for the purpose of helping firefighters. While current and retired firefighters advise the group, it is led by four volunteers who are outside of the department. As you are planning your fundraising activities, consider involving community leaders who don’t work for the fire department.