FRFD Operation Warm underway with successful fundraiser

Members of the Fall River Fire Department hosted a fundraising event this past Sunday to raise funds for their annual Operation Warm campaign. The “Mustachio Bashio Big Hair Bowling Night” was an ode to the 80’s with attendees wearing costumes ranging from Freddy Mercury to the Ghostbusters. Over 15 teams registered to bowl at the event, held at the AMF Bowling Lanes in Somerset. With Firefighters and paramedics from Fall River as well as New Bedford and Hyannis, over 125 supporters were on hand in support of Operation Warm.

Operation Warm is celebrating it’s 5th year in raising funds to purchase new winter coats for children in need in the city of Fall River. Fall River Firefighter’s Union President Jason Burns has been at the helm of this project since it’s inception. “Operation Warm is a favorite way for firefighters to give back to our community. There is nothing like the look on a child’s face after receiving a brand new winter coat, maybe for the first time in their lives.” Burns stated that to date, the program has been able to donate almost 1,600 coats to children throughout the community.

The event Sunday night raised nearly $3000 towards their goal. To date this year, the group has raised $6,990 which will yield close to 350 new coats. Through a generous arrangement with the management of AMF lanes, the group received a discount that allowed them to raise even more money at the event. Burns stated that the staff at AMF in Somerset was “fantastic” and that the location was “a great place for us to run an event.” He also thanked Fall River Firefighter Jeffrey Bacon along with Sharie Miles for organizing and setting up the event, with special consideration to Fall River Firefighter CJ Ponte for gathering items used in a raffle which added to the amount raised.

The Fall River Fire Department continues to raise funds toward this years goal. If you would like to make a donation, please visit Operation Warm.