8825 Aero Drive #200, San Diego, CA 92123
858-541-2277 / www.burninstitute.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2009
SAN DIEGO -- On Thursday, April 16, 2009, support local firefighters as they take to the streets for the annual Barona Firefighter Boot Drive, to be held throughout San Diego County.
What began 10 years ago as a grassroots effort backed by the fire service, the Boot Drive has become a hallmark fundraiser for the Burn Institute, raising more than $215,000 for the organization in 2008.
Each year, hundreds of uniformed firefighters from fire departments all over San Diego County come together for a common goal, hopping aboard their engines to meet at intersections within their communities to collect donations in their boots during the morning and evening commutes. And each year passing motorists generously help to fill those boots with their spare change -- ones, fives, twenties – even $100 bills.
Sponsored by Barona and backed by the San Diego–Imperial County Fire Fighters Advisory Council to the Burn Institute and the San Diego County Fire Chiefs’ Association, the event is not only the agency’s largest one-day fundraiser, but it illustrates the close partnership between the Burn Institute and the fire service.
“The Boot Drive has become one of the Institute’s most successful events,” said James Floros, Burn Institute Executive Director/CEO, adding that the past success can be attributed to the energy and support from local fire service. “It really makes me proud to see that synergy between various agencies and ourselves,” said Floros. “The fire service really is the backbone of this organization; as a team we can do great things for the community.”
Proceeds benefit Burn Institute fire and burn prevention education programs and burn survivor support programs such as Camp Beyond The Scars for burn-injured children. All of the money raised through the Boot Drive stays in San Diego County.
“Barona is honored to be the first ever sponsor of this extremely worthwhile fundraising event,” said Chief Randy Sandoval of the Barona Fire Department. “Our fire department on the Barona Indian Reservation works in cooperation with fire departments throughout the county. We have seen first hand the good works of the Burn Institute and want to do our share to provide additional resources to help burn survivors through the recovery process.”
Last year more than 30 departments participated in the fundraiser, which was the agency’s best ever. As always, the top fire department in each region will win the agency’s highly-coveted bronze boot trophy.
Note: Find a list of locations at www.burninstitute.org; Continual updates through April 16, 2009.