FUNDRAISERS

Why does the fire company have fundraisers?

Our fire company has been operating since 1887 and since then, members of our company have held fundraisers to financially support our operations to allows us to help the citizens and businesses in not only our community, but other communities surrounding us, when they need help. Of course, things have changed in over 120 years of service to the community, especially in the types of services we provide, but we still hold fundraisers to support the operations of our fire, rescue and ambulance services.

As shown in other sections of our website, we do receive money from the county, state and sometimes, through federal grants. The money we receive from local, state and federal funding basically handles our day to day building and apparatus expenses (called 'Operations Expenses') and when awarded grants, safety items that we use to protect our personnel.

The main reason for fundraising is termed 'Capital Expenses' or 'Capital Projects'. This includes things like, purchasing new apparatus or building additions/replacement. We do NOT get funding from any other source for these items other than solicitations, donations or fundraising. We depend on the publics financial help for these things.

How often do we use 'Capital Expense' money?

Here at Union Bridge, like most other departments and companies in this country, we must replace certain pieces of apparatus at specific intervals. For instance, an ambulance should be replaced every 4 to 6 years, depending on maintenance issues, servicability and mileage. An ambulance costs about $120,000. An engine or pumper is generally replaced every 20 years which costs about $500,000. We also have a Rescue Squad, which we replace between 15 and 20 years, again costing $500,000. This is just our primary apparatus we need to properly provide service to the community.

We also have a building that was built in 1967 with the Activities Building added to it in 1987. Though this doesn't seem like a long time, our main building is over 40 years old. The apparatus that is built today is bigger and the services that we provide are very much different than what they were when the building was originally built. Just come to the station sometime and watch how we squeeze our units in and out of the apparatus bays. It is quite interesting and in the past, we have damaged the apparatus and building. Though we do not have any immediate plans to add onto our building or even build a new one, this venture costs between $1.5 million and $4 million, depending on if we add on versus building new.

What fundraising events are held to get this money?

There are many different fundraisers held throughout the year to help us save enough money to purchase 'Capital Projects'. Our biggest fundraiser is of course, our Annual Carnival. This week long event provides us with less than $50,000 per year, but in our business, every dollar helps. Other events include monthly public breakfasts, bingo banquets, hall rentals, dances, the 'Money Calendar', '30 Week Club' and much more. The Ladies Auxiliary to the Union Bridge Fire Company also holds fundraisers that support the fire company. These include dinners, raffles, silent auctions, the Annual Christmas Mart, food sales and more. Even the Junior Fire Company has fundraisers like address sign sales, raffles and more.

What about donations?

Donations usually come from our mailed 'Soliciations'. Annually, we send out solicitation letters to every home in our first due response area. This letter requests your help in financially supporting us, so that we may continue to provide you with the services that you expect when you dial 911 for help. We do receive donations in other ways as well. Sometimes, people from other communities stop by the fire station to drop off money after we helped them during their time of need and still others, out of pure generosity, drop by and donate. We have even received money from estates or wills, but this is rare. Also, in the state of Maryland, ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTABLE! More information about donations and solicitation can be found in the 'Public Information' section on the 'Home Page'.

Summary

One thing that we would hope everyone understands, is that countless, behind the scenes VOLUNTEER hours, provide service to the company and the community everyday. We take this very seriously. The tools, equipment and apparatus that we use, must be paid for in some way. We volunteer to respond and even get up out of bed in the middle of the night to help someone who has dialed 911, knowing that we have to go to work to support our own families in the morning. That's right, all of us have full-time jobs to make money for our families. What we do here is strictly VOLUNTEER!!! That is why fundraising events and donations are a must. Your financial support helps us continue to provide service to the community that we care for!!! Our company motto explains so much about who we are with the phrase:

"Proudly We Serve"