Newton Fire Fighters Donate $20,000 to Blank Children’s Hospital

September 30, 2010 – More than 105 motorcycle riders came out to Newton, IA Local 1457’s first “Fun Run,” benefiting the Blank Children’s Hospital’s Cancer Center. Located in Des Moines , it is the only hospital in the state dedicated to children. The event raised $20,000.

“Newton Local 1457 is a small local, but the members were able to accomplish something big,” says IAFF 2nd District Vice President Mark Woolbright. “I’m very proud of what they were able to do for these young cancer patients and their families.”

The ride went through four different towns around Newton. At each stop, participants had the opportunity to win door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. The Fun Run ended at a local outdoor recreation business where a silent auction was held. Local 1457 also announced the lucky winner in a drawing for a 2010 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle.

“I think the thing we are most proud of is the fact that the money went directly to benefit the families of the children receiving treatment at the hospital,” says Local 1457 Secretary-Treasurer Mike Crowe.

Crowe adds, “This truly took the time and dedication of every one of our members. With only 14 of us, we needed everybody in order to pull this off.”

Plans for another ride are already in the works for next year.