Mdws. Valley Fire “SAVES” the Day
An estimated $45,000 was raised for Meadows Valley Rural Fire District at their annual S.A.V.E.S. the Day fundraiser on July 4. MV Fire Fighter and EMT LeAndra Smith said the event “was an incredible success, and we are grateful for the overwhelming support from our community.”
S.A.V.E.S. stands for Support All Volunteer Emergency Services and the community truly showed up to do just that. Around 240 people attended the dinner and auction. Moneys came in through ticket sales, a live auction with items donated from around the community, raffle ticket sales, a “Fill the Boot” campaign and direct cash donations. Prize items for the raffle included handmade quilts, a Rossi 20 gauge shotgun as well as items from Dewalt, Milwaukee and D&B Supply.
The department also gave back to their community honoring local veterans with honor quilts donated anonymously. These were given to U.S. Marine veteran George Bevan and U.S. Navy veteran Kyla Gardner.
Approximate amounts raised include:
$5,000 in ticket sales
$28,000 from the live auction
$5,500 in raffle ticket sales
$2,800 through “Fill the Boot” campaign, with most of those donations collected while firefighters and EMTs were stationed at the intersection of Highways 55 and 95 throughout the day
$4,000 in direct cash donations
Smith told us what this fundraiser means to the department describing it as essential. She said the event, “not only gives us an opportunity to celebrate and recognize our dedicated volunteers—who generously give countless hours serving our community—but also provides funding for critical equipment and training that cannot be covered through our operating budget.” Smith said some of the money raised will go toward sending several current EMTs to a paramedic training program in February 2027. Smith said, “remaining funds will be used to purchase new turnout gear for firefighters who need updated protective equipment”.
This event is a perfect example of community support on both sides and has become a tradition people look forward to each year. Smith said the department looks forward to “continuing growing the event while investing in the safety and preparedness of our emergency responders.”
