The Elmira Fire Department is getting into the Halloween spirit, hosting a fundraising costume party in support of muscular dystrophy charities.
“Muscular dystrophy is supported by most fire departments worldwide, especially in North America,” Donald Schlupp, a six-year veteran of Elmira’s department said. “Since 1954, I believe, we have been supporting MD charities and it’s important because they do such great work supporting people with different muscular diseases.”
The party is set for November 1 at the Elmira Lions Hall. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased from any Elmira firefighter, or at the Elmira Meat Market. More than $2,000 worth of raffle prizes will be awarded, along with prizes for pumpkin carving (bring your finished jack-o-lantern) and best costume.
It’s a good excuse to get dressed up and have fun while supporting a good cause, Schlupp said.
“Anytime our fire department does any kind of fundraiser, regardless of whether it’s at a movie night, a 50-50 draw or a big event like this, 50 per cent of the proceeds are split with muscular dystrophy (charities). The 50 per cent goes back into the community whether it is to purchase equipment for (the department) or equipment for the community.”
And you can be sure the money will be well spent.
“The way that we do it is we sit down as a group, all 30 members, and we write out a big list,” Schlupp explained. “Then we vote on them, and from there we go to pricing, from which we go back to a meeting again and have another vote. So it is very, very well planned and laid out and every member has a say. And when an item is up for vote, we have to basically sell it to everybody. So if an item doesn’t get the full 30 votes, it doesn’t get purchased.”
