Middletown >> The South Lake County Volunteer Firefighters Association will hold its Fifth Annual Dinner, Raffle, and Auction fundraiser on June 17 at the Twine Pine Casino event center from 5 to 10 p.m. This is the organization’s only fundraiser of the year.
South Lake County Fire Protection District is located in Middletown, and its fire personnel were at ground zero of the Valley Fire, which ripped through the community last September. This fire made national news as the fastest spreading fire ever, and the third largest fire in California history. Thousands of members of the community, including 13 of the department’s own firefighters, lost their homes. They are now beginning the recovery process and this fundraiser will help in this endeavor.
The association always tried to keep this a local event with local sponsors but this year, because of the fire, members are expanding its donation base. According to chairperson Jody Galvan, the budget for this event is not large, and the association is reaching out to the community to assist firefighters and those affected by the Valley Fire by donating a gift of goods, services or a monetary contribution to the event.
Proceeds will be used to purchase materials for training and continued education of emergency medical technicians and firefighters. The association also plans to support community projects in the wake of the Valley Fire.
In addition, a portion of the proceeds will be used to provide academic scholarships to selected high school seniors who have shown serious interest in becoming first responders.
Tickets will include a roasted chicken and pesto pasta dinner and can be purchased at the Middletown fire department, located at 21095 Highway 153. The cost $30 in advance per person, $50 per couple, or $40 at the door. Call (707) 987-3089 for additional information.
Twin Pine Casino is located at 22223 Highway 29 in Middletown.
