Firefighters raise money to fight cancer

JODI STREAHLE

For The Daily Journal

Marianna Gemenden, 3, of Franklinville works the fire hose with assistance from her father, Tex Gemenden, and Frankilnville firefighter Don Cross as Kasey Brendt, 3, of Harrisburg, Va., watches during the Family Fun Day & Health Fair that was hosted by Franklinville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 on Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Caroline L. Reutter School.

FRANKLINVILLE - Franklinville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 continued its efforts to raise money for cancer patients in Gloucester County by hosting a Family Fun Day and Health Fair at the Caroline L. Reutter School on Saturday.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Franklinville Fire Company Cancer Fund and will be donated to the Virtua Foundation.

The event included a host of family-friendly activities including fire truck rides, face painting, inflatable rides and several games. Children got some hands-on firefighting experience in an obstacle course where they opened a fire hydrant, performed the CPR technique and used a fire hose to knock down wooden flames on a model house.

Buzzsaw Tree Service in Franklinville donated wooden pumpkins and supplies so children could paint their own decorative pumpkins, and several area fire departments displayed their trucks for an up-close look.

“It’s very fun and interactive,” said Jameela Gibbs, 10, of Franklinville. “I rode the fire truck and enjoyed the sights.”

Benjamin Gatton, 3, also of Franklinville was extremely excited for his first ride on a fire truck. “It’s going to move?” he asked in anticipation as he waited to get on the truck.

More:Vineland High celebrates Homecoming victories
More:Seeking two of Cumberland County's most wanted

“It’s about the kids having fun,” said Richard Kurczeski, president of the Franklinville Volunteer Fire Company. “And every single cent raised will be going to Virtua Hospital for Gloucester County residents.”

The fire company established the Franklinville Fire Company Cancer Fund earlier this year after losing two members to cancer. Also, three spouses of members are battling cancer. Chief Dana DeCesari said the fund provides a way for the fire company to give back to those struggling with cancer in honor of the members recently lost.

Admission was free to Family Fun Day and the activities, but visitors had plenty of opportunities to support the cause by dropping a donation in one of several donation buckets.

“We wanted to get the community involved to come out and have a good time while promoting cancer awareness,” said event coordinator Christina Neal of the Franklinville Volunteer Fire Company.

The fire company partnered with the Virtua Foundation that will use the proceeds from the fund for Gloucester County cancer patients. The money will help with things like transportation to appointments, screenings, education and the purchase of compression sleeves and gloves for patients with lymphedema, specially fitted wigs and scarves and prescriptions.

“The members of the fire company suffered quite a bit of loss due to cancer, but it’s just like a firefighter to run towards a problem rather than away from it,” said Amy McLeer, annual fund manager for Virtua Foundation. “They’re really going to make a big difference with this fund, and it’s staying local so they are helping their own friends and neighbors.”

To contribute to the Franklinville Fire Company Cancer Fund, email franklinville431@gmail.com Also, the fire company is selling T-shirts for $15 to benefit the fund.