Members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors: Treasurer Jeanne Becker, Director Frank Gould, President Bill Carpenter, President Emeritus Richard Hawkes, and Secretary Cheryl Ravenscroft, pose with AFMA Fire Chief Mark Burdick, South County/Sun Lakes Fire Board Chairman Bill Becker, and firefighters of Station 232 at the check presentation event.
Jeanne Becker, Foundation Treasurer
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation made an award of $6,000 to the Sun Lakes Firefighters Food Fund, which is used by the firefighters and EMS personnel at Stations 231 and 232 to help supplement the cost of their food, which they pay for themselves. There is no fire department stipend for food. The award amount is being divided among the six shifts in both firehouses, so each shift gets $1,000 to help alleviate the cost of buying their food, which is prepared communally by each shift. The Foundation is proud to assist our firefighters in this way.
AFMA Fire Chief Mark Burdick said, “On behalf of the men and women assigned to AFMA’s Sun Lakes fire houses, we express our sincere gratitude and thanks to the Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation for your generous donation. Your support for our firefighters and paramedics is truly appreciated, and the $6,000 donation is being directly allocated to the firefighters ($1,000 for each of the six shifts) to help supplement their healthy food budget. When we are ready to respond 24 hours a day for 365 days a year, good nutrition is essential, and this award will go a long way toward keeping our firefighters healthy and ready. We all give a big “thank you so much” to the Foundation for this donation!”
Before the check presentation, the Foundation members were shown the mechanical and safety features of the fire engine at Fire Station 232, and after the check presentation, they toured the newly updated and renovated fire station and learned more about AFMA’s mission and its fire and ambulance procedures.
The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation has been established to enhance the quality of life for the older population in the East Valley, including Sun Lakes residents, in the areas of health, safety, education, and culture. The Foundation gives grants and awards to local nonprofits, service organizations, and clubs to enhance their work in all our Sun Lakes communities. If you are part of an organization that needs financial support, to apply for a grant or an award, please go to slcommunityfoundation.com.