“Tip A Firefighter”

"Tip A Firefighter 04" at Chili's was another great success. The generous patrons and employees donated a total of $1269.67 on Thursday, December 16 to benefit the Santa Clara Firefighters Foundation.

I would also like to express my deepest appreciation for those that participated while on duty, and to those off duty that helped. These events are really a great social time. The beauty of it is that we don't physically ask anyone for donations. Written material is located at the tables, and donations are made via envelope.

Also, the mini holiday party that I envisioned did in fact take place after the event concluded. All of the staff at Chili's had a really good time too. They really are a great bunch of people that like to help where they can.

Those attending on duty were:

M-1 Brandon Merrick and Larry Mar
M-5 Kris Legge and Mike Rose
E-7 Mason Weirshauser, Jim Polizzi, and Dave Hoos
E-5 Dennis McDowell, Mike Herscovitch, and Mike Rose (again!)
H-9 Wendy Domster

Special thanks to B/C Paul Picchi for scheduling the on duty crews.

Off duty helpers:

Bruce and Carol Puphal, Dave Battagin, Laurie Foltz, Steve Maciel, Randy Titus and family, Bill Stone, Nick Delgado, Trevor Cantanho, Ron McDowell, Rob Contreras, Diane Britton and family, Jameson Amato, Lucy and Pat Keppel, and Jim Cooper and Family. There were several of the Ryans there too... I hope I didn't forget someone.

To all of you my sincerest thanks. These things don't work without people like you.

I wish all of you Happy Holidays...

Brother Mike Ryan, Event Coordinator and Foundation President

SCFF's Foundation

Below are a few questions and answers about why we are here at the restaurant today… Q: What is “Tip A Firefighter?” A: “Tip A Firefighter” is an annual event held near Fire Prevention Week that raises funds for charitable organizations that are supported by the Santa Clara Firefighters Local 1171. The event also provides opportunities for interaction between the public and firefighters. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding fire department procedures or operations. Q: Are these people collecting donations on “city time?” A: No. All the personnel inside the restaurant are “off duty” and volunteering in their free time. The uniformed personnel outside are on duty, and are ready to respond to any emergency that may arise. Their function is to answer any fire prevention questions you may have. However, if a call comes in, they will respond immediately. Q: What is the Santa Clara Firefighters Foundation? A: In short, the Foundation is the charitable arm of the Santa Clara Firefighters Local 1171 labor organization. The Santa Clara Firefighters are affiliated with the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters). It is a fully authorized non-profit charitable organization ( 501 (c) (3) ) that is committed to helping those in need within the city of Santa Clara, and others with special needs. Q: Which organizations are supported by the Foundation? A: Below is a list of those supported. • The Muscular Dystrophy Association o Medical research and services for those afflicted with neuromuscular diseases • The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation o Funds are used to send burn survivors to a summer camp where they are free to enjoy a number of activities with other burn survivors. Several of your firefighters are counselors at these camps. • The “Ride A Wave” Foundation o Persons with physical or mental disabilities are afforded the opportunity to enjoy surfing under totally supervised conditions. Several members of the department spend many hours providing this popular service to the less fortunate. • Better Things o Firefighters provide mentoring services to “at risk” youth at local junior high schools to show that there are better things than gangs and violence. • Local 1171 Senior Assist Program o Off duty firefighters form work groups to help those that have difficulty in the upkeep of their property. Services include weed abatement, general yard clean up, installation of grab rails in tub areas, etc. • V.I.A. Rehabilitation Services o Funds are used to send physically disabled citizens to summer camps where they are allowed to enjoy activities with other disabled persons. V.I.A. also provides resources for those who cannot afford expensive accessory items such as wheelchairs, electric scooters, etc. In fact, as you read this, a team of 12 firefighters is running a relay race from the wine country to Santa Cruz to support V.I.A. Further, the Foundation is set up to provide emergency aid to any Santa Clarans that may suffer a fire or other disaster. Your firefighters are deeply involved in community service. We feel truly blessed to be part of a noble profession that has a long-standing reputation for helping anyone in need. Supporting these noble causes is one way for firefighters to give back to the community. Santa Clara and its citizens show strong support for their public safety providers. This is one way of returning to the community our appreciation for that support. Please feel free to ask your servers any questions about the department or the Foundation. Every effort will be made to answer those questions. Also, pick up a free smoke detector provided by Local 1171 if your current one was installed longer than 10 years ago. They do lose their potency and reliability with time. Thank you for your consideration of our efforts… Michael T. Ryan President, Santa Clara Firefighters Foundation

12/18/2004