Ardie Besse, at left, models an outfit from The Turquoise Chandelier while displaying a framed cross-stitch firetruck, made and donated by Lynn Schneider, and auctioneer Josh Larson can’t hold in his excitement as the bids escalate past $1,000 last Sunday afternoon. The winning bidder and several others donated their auction items to Holyoke Volunteer Fire Department. —The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Stacy Rueter, fire chief of Holyoke Volunteer Fire Department, strikes a pose as he makes his way down the fashion show runway last Sunday afternoon. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Runway heats up at firehouse fundraiser
One idea sparked another until the Firehouse Fashion and Fun fundraiser grew to a large event that brought in $34,550 and around 250 attendees Sunday afternoon, Oct. 24, at Phillips County Event Center.
A group of local people came together to plan the event to raise funds through the Because nonprofit for Holyoke Volunteer Fire Department’s new firehouse. The money raised has been added to a big sign, made by Lane Looka, which will be posted in town so that residents can see the ongoing progress toward the $300,000 goal.
One of the event organizers, Penny Bailey, said she doesn’t even have words to describe how amazing it is that the small community of Holyoke comes together for worthy projects like this. It wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous support of sponsors and the community, she added.
Following a luncheon with chicken salad croissant sandwiches, prepared by Holyoke Marketplace, and pulled pork sandwiches, prepared by Happy Jacks Barbeque, the fun began on the runway.
Local women modeled fall outfits from The Turquoise Chandelier, a boutique in Paoli. Each model also displayed auction items as they walked back and forth on the runway.
Pieces from the outfits and more were available to purchase following the fashion show, and a percentage
of those sales also went to the firehouse.
Attendees got a special treat when past and present members of HVFD strutted their stuff on the runway in a variety of firemen-related apparel.
The brave participants also posed for the camera Sunday afternoon. Ileana’s Photography conducted a professional photo shoot, and the snapshots will be compiled in a highly anticipated 2022 firemen calendar, available to the public later this year.
Amid the fun of this fundraiser, HVFD members were humbled by the support from the community.
Bob Heldenbrand shared with the crowd the meaning behind HVFD’s motto: Pride, Progress and Tradition. In the area of progress, the department has made leaps and bounds, and Heldenbrand is pleasantly surprised that HVFD even has its own ladder truck. The only problem is that they don’t have a building to house the truck yet.
Bryan Kroeger, HVFD’s chaplain, was quick to point out that the word “Sacrifice” should be added to the motto, commending the local volunteers for all they do for the community.
Additional fundraisers are being planned in the future, including a spaghetti supper in November.