SHAMOKIN - The Flood of 2011 this past September saw all area fire companies and their volunteers going above and beyond the call of duty to help their fellow citizens. Among them was the Friendship Fire Company on Rock and Chestnut streets. Since the company's station house is located along the Shamokin Creek in the Fifth Ward section of the city, the hardest hit by the flood, it sustained significant damage and loss.
On Friday, Jan. 27, the Friendship will be having a "Save Our Ship" (S.O.S.) fundraiser at the Rescue Fire Company's banquet hall to help recoup and replace many of the items and help offset the cost of repairs caused by the flood.
"While our members were out helping others, our firehouse was sustaining damage as well," said Bernie Venesky, Friendship vice president, who is also on the company's house committee.
"A month before the flood we installed a $12,000 furnace system and, of course, that needed to be repaired," he added.
Other items that were damaged or lost in the flood were located the fire company's basement and several of the garages they own on Rock Street, including all of their block party equipment, some of their parade gear and a "Cushman" miniature fire truck that was used in parades and promotions. The company wants to replace these items so they can continue to hold community events.
The Rescue Fire Company, Liberty and Lincoln streets, is donating the use of their banquet hall for the fundraiser. Doors open at 7 p.m. Entertainment starts at 8 p.m. and will continue until 1:30 a.m. Cost is $15 to enter and includes food and drink. Bands performing at the event are Warren Dane, Red Halo and Marla and The Juniper Street Band. All three performers have donated their services to the Friendship free of charge. There will also be 50/50's and donated prizes will be raffled off.
Bill 95.3 is also having a "scavenger hunt" where they give a clue on air at 7:20 a.m. and the person with the most clues at the fundraiser will win a 3 day, 2 night trip to Las Vegas.
For more information or to donate call the Friendship Fire Company at 648-0751 or Jessica Peifer at 556-0501.