“When the chamber came up with the idea our goal was to donate $3,400 for a breathing apparatus,” said Maland. “Ticket sales didn’t take off and on the Monday before the event only sixty-six tickets had been sold. . .it turns out that we sold out.”Maland said that SPFD firefighters worked to not only sell tickets but to decorate the Community Center; the single members of the department even put their lives - love lives that is - on the line by volunteering for the Date With A Firefighter Auction.“On behalf of the chamber board of directors and the volunteers I would like to present this check to Chief Skeels and express our deep appreciation of your firefighters,” said Maland.“It is a wonderful thing for the fire department and the community. . .this will buy the unit and spare parts and go along way towards a second unit as well. Let’s do this again!”Special SPFD centennial T-shirts are available at Fire Station #1 and more celebratory events are being planned.
Chamber of Commerce donates $5,673 to SP Fire Department
August 08, 2003
Santa Paula News
When the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce staged a fundraiser in an effort to raise $3,400 to help equip the Santa Paula Fire Department, they were discouraged by the poor ticket sales less than a week before the event.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesWhen the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce staged a fundraiser in an effort to raise $3,400 to help equip the Santa Paula Fire Department, they were discouraged by the poor ticket sales less than a week before the event.On Monday, chamber representatives presented Santa Paula Fire Chief Paul Skeels with a check for $5,673.25, the amount raised when the fundraiser became a sudden sellout as supporters opened their hearts - and wallets - to the department.The June fundraiser honored the rich history and tradition of the fire department, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in December.Chamber President Anna Marie Manzano and Executive Director Jeanette Maland presented the check to Chief Skeels at the Aug. 4th City Council meeting.
