Southwest Firefighters Association hosts 16th Annual Chili Dinner to support volunteer fire department
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- Southwest Firefighters Association held its 16th annual Chili Dinner on November 12, raising funds for volunteer fire department equipment and operations.
- Event raised approximately $11,000 last year; funds support protective gear, tools, facilities, scholarships, and volunteer housing program.
The Southwest Firefighters Association brought the community together Thursday evening for its 16th annual Chili Dinner, raising money to help support the equipment, gear and operational needs of the Southwest Fire Department.
The event, held November 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., featured an all-you-can-eat chili dinner, live music, raffles, fire truck displays and a special appearance by Sparky the Fire Dog. To-go plates were also available for those unable to stay.
The annual fundraiser plays an important role in supporting the department, which operates entirely with volunteers and relies on community donations and fundraising efforts to help cover expenses.
Public Information Officer Tom Peavy said the association raised approximately $11,000 during last year’s event, and organizers hoped to exceed that amount this year.
“Ultimately, the goal is to raise as much of that type of money as we can to get things done around the station,” Peavy said.
Money raised through the association helps purchase firefighter protective equipment, replace broken tools and maintain equipment and facilities.
Peavy explained that a single set of firefighter turnout gear, including a coat and pants, can cost several thousand dollars. Fundraising efforts help ensure firefighters have the equipment they need, particularly when gear becomes damaged or burned during emergency responses.
The funds also provide the department with the ability to replace tools and other equipment without having to scramble for money when something breaks.
Beyond equipment and station improvements, the association supports scholarships for Southwest Fire service members and the department’s live-in program, which provides low-cost housing to college students who volunteer with the department.
For Association President Arthur Amason, the dinner is about more than raising money. It also gives firefighters an opportunity to connect with the people they serve outside of emergency situations.
“It really warms my heart,” Amason said. “It’s very rewarding to see the people that we serve come out, commune with us, break bread with us, and have a great time.”
Amason said events like the annual chili dinner allow residents to get a better understanding of the people behind the department and the teamwork and relationships that make it operate.
He described the event as an opportunity for the community to see behind the curtain and experience the team, family and brotherhood that exists within the department.
Organizing the dinner also requires significant support from local businesses and sponsors.
Peavy credited several businesses and organizations for helping make the event possible, including Niffer’s at Auburn University, which donated chili ingredients, and the Auburn University Meat Lab, which donated approximately 150 pounds of ground beef.
Wilton’s Catering, Auburn Draft House and Byron’s Smokehouse also contributed, with Byron’s providing tea. Auburn Coca-Cola Bottling donated sodas, while additional businesses throughout the area provided financial contributions and other support.
Peavy said the event has continued to grow over the years. Organizers estimate the first dinner attracted approximately 150 people. Today, attendance has grown to nearly 400, with fundraising totals also increasing significantly.
While financial contributions remain important, Peavy said one of the department’s greatest needs is additional volunteers.
A large portion of Southwest’s firefighters are Auburn University students. Because many leave the area after graduation, the department regularly faces the challenge of recruiting and retaining personnel.
Peavy encouraged residents living in Southwest Lee County and surrounding areas to consider volunteering with the department.
For those unable to volunteer, financial donations, food and other forms of community support are always appreciated.
The Southwest Firefighters Association is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Proceeds from its fundraising efforts help ensure the volunteer department has the resources needed to continue serving the community.
Organizers thanked the businesses, sponsors, volunteers and residents who continue to support the department and make the annual event possible.
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