DTLA – In daily life, seeing firefighters can get pulses racing: It often means being around a serious emergency.
This week, however, Downtown workers and residents are looking forward to seeing the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department, and to joining them for an afternoon of games, food and giving back.
That’s because Hope for Firefighters is returning in Downtown Los Angeles. The 21st annual fundraising event, which draws thousands of people, takes place on Thursday, June 7, at 11:30 a.m.
Hope for Firefighters takes place at Bank of America Plaza on Hope Street, and will offer food, raffles, photo ops and muster games. Proceeds benefit the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association’s Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
“It’s like the name says: It helps widows, orphans and disabled firefighters,” said Heather Ross, co-chair of the event. “The contributions made to Hope for Firefighters will help with basic living expenses and health insurance, plus scholarships for their kids.”
A big draw is the food, and representatives from 22 fire stations will set up booths hawking their kitchen creations. Barbecue and burgers will be available, and some stations will offers desserts. The LAFD participants take this seriously — they’ll be competing for a best food prize, as well as one for the best decorations.
The highlight of the event is the muster games, where corporate teams of non-firefighters test their mettle. Twenty teams will face off, providing the amusing sight of lawyers, accountants and others competing in a firefighter suit-up competition, a bucket brigade and additional challenges. Last year, a team from Brookfield Office Properties captured the top prize.
Ross said that after the wave of devastating fires in Southern California in the last year, the organizers anticipate a strong showing at this year’s event. They expect around 5,000 people to attend.
Tickets are $9. Money is raised through ticket sales, food sales, raffles, auctions and sponsorships. Last year’s Hope for Firefighters brought in approximately $100,000. This year, Ross said, the goal is to hit $120,000.
Original Article: https://www.ladowntownnews.com/news/hope-for-firefighters-fundraiser-returns-thursday/article_2cf7dd70-68db-11e8-b215-9b4128061a01.html
