Community event to raise money for Reelsville Fire Department

REELSVILLE -- An upcoming fundraiser will assist the Reelsville/Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department in updating 15 sets of turnout gear.

Krambo's Kustom Kolors, Reelsville Water Authority and Hassler Trucking are sponsoring the third annual chicken noodle and beef noodle dinner at the fire department, located two miles west of Krambo's, Sept. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The fundraiser is being held in conjunction with Krambo's monthly bike night as well as a blood drive in honor of Abryanna Jewell.

Organizer Beth Broadstreet said the events will kick off at 4 p.m. with the blood drive and last until 8 p.m.

Jewell has stage 4 Rhabdomysarcoma (RMS) and has to receive blood frequently. She noted the Indiana Blood Center keeps donations in the state to help people like Jewell. Those interested in pre-registering can do so at Krambo's, Hassler Trucking, Reelsville Water Authority, the fire department or online at www.donorpoint.org.

The dinner will start at 5 p.m. with a $10 donation for adults, $5 donation for children or the donation of a new, unwrapped toy. Along with noodles, the menu will include mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, salads, roll, dessert and a drink.

The business found it important to start the annual fundraiser for a few reasons.

"We (Krambo's) felt it is important to give back to the community and show we appreciate our customers," Broadstreet said.

"Also, these volunteer firemen bust their butts for us every day. They get called out at a whole lot. This is our way to help them ... We want to help get them the equipment they need to help keep them safe and in turn keep our community safe."

A full set of turnout gear costs about $1,500. Broadstreet said she would like to see the event raise enough money to furnish all of the necessary equipment, but any amount will help.

She said the event has grown over the last few years, starting with a $1,000 donation the first year. Last year, they were able to donate $2,200 through the community partnership along with a matching donation from the township trustee.

Broadstreet explained the donation of an unwrapped toy will also benefit the fire department. Around Christmas, Santa will show up at the fire department and the fire fighters will give out toys to the little ones.

Also, when the Reelsville Volunteer Fire Department responds to a call with children involved, they will give the youth a toy as a distraction from whatever is happening.

Air Evac will also be on site for a tour and the band 40-2 will be performing.

Along with the main sponsors for the event, Broadstreet said the event has received support from McDonald's of Greencastle and Cloverdale, as well as Papa John's in the form of paper products.

Anyone interested in making a monetary donation or who would like to donate products to help with the event, can contact Broadstreet at 672-4090 or 721-0466.

She stressed all money raised during the event goes to the fire department.