Florida Fire Fighters Raise $3,000 for Charity

June 7, 2010 – Several Volusia County, FL Local 3574 fire fighters had participated in American Cancer Society-sponsored Relay for Life events before.

This year the local got involved and raised more than $3,000 with the help of their community for the Deland Relay for Life.

“So many of us have been affected by cancer in some way, either personally or through a family member or friend,” says Local 3574 Public Relations Director Ryan Thompson. “The fact that we could raise the majority of the money online made fundraising easy.”

Local 3574 also used the Florida Professional Firefighters “Florida Salutes Firefighters Specialty Tag” program. The program allows the purchase of the special vehicle license plate with a portion of the proceeds going to any charity. Some $750 was raised through the tag program alone.

At the relay, Thompson invited his sister, Whitney Thompson, the winner of America’s Next Top Model in 2008, to sign autographs to benefit the American Cancer Society.

American Cancer Society Relay for Life events are held around the world to raise money and awareness for cancer. At the event, teams of people take turns walking or running around a track or path. Because cancer never sleeps, Relay for Life events often are held overnight and last up to 24 hours.