Fireman’s Ball Rings in the New Year
City of Walla Walla Fire Department Lt. Todd Stubblefield with ball guest Andrea
Thorson
Walla Walla, Washington (pop. 30,000) -- The City of Walla Walla Fire Department resurrected a lost tradition to raise money for its thermal imaging campaign. Firefighters rang in 2004 with a formal Fireman’s Ball, bringing in $19,000 through this one gala event. Per person cost was $50, and 362 attended. Company donations totaled $7,000. The event was held at a local convention center, with a formal catered sit-down meal, a live band, and a midnight champagne toast. Capt. Bob Yancey and his wife Kathie planned and managed the ball.
Capt. Bob Yancey: “The first fireman’s ball was held in 1889, and the tradition lapsed about 30 years ago. Kathie and I started planning about a year before, and we have gotten nothing but positive feedback. It was a blast. We paid careful attention to making it a very nice evening for people. We’re planning to lead it again next year.”
Funding Tip: This fire department looked into its community history to come up with an excellent event idea that would draw people together and raise significant money in a single evening. If firefighters in your department have the desire to start a tradition such as this, remember that it takes a great deal of time to plan, especially the first time around.