On September 5, 2009 at 6:00pm the Annual Valparaiso Firefighters Local 1124 Dance is set to kick off! All are welcome to come partake in the entertainment and cash bar for a good cause.
The Valpo Firefighters Dance is a true annual tradition. So true in fact, that the actual year that it began remains in question, because in talking to the most senior members of the department, the dance was around before they were there! Originally an annual winter fundraiser for the members, spouses, family, friends, and any of the public to attend, it used to be held at The Expo Center and was decorated with streamers and balloons.
In the past, a live band called "Guns and Hoses" would play 60's, 70's, rock, a little country, and some slow music from 8 pm - midnight. At the dance was a silent auction, door prizes, and 50/50 raffles. According to the current firefighters, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar were always available.
Although you may not find Guns and Hoses performing at this years dance, many of the traditions remain the same today, including financial support of the great organizations that help our community thrive. Some of the organizations that we've donated to over time are:
- Boys & Girls Club,
- Red Cross,
- Hoosier Burn Camp,
- Shiners Hospital,
- MDA,
- 4H Club,
- March of Dimes,
- VHS Scholarship,
- United Way,
- National Fire Safety Council,
- Christmas in April,
- Rebuilding Together,
- Banta Center,
- Family House,
- Spring House,
- Project Neighbors,
- Leukemia Society,
- YMCA,
- Hoosier Boy State Program,
- Diabetes Foundation,
- American Cancer Society,
- PMH Pediatrics,
- Porter County Cancer Society,
- Riley's Children's Hospital,
- Youth Services Bureau,
- VNA Hospice,
- Pines Village Communities,
- Valpo City Food Drive,
- Boys' & Girls' Scouts,
- Pledge for Walk for Breast Cancer.
The Annual Valparaiso Firefighters Local 1124 Dance is now held each September in Old Town Banquets at 711 Calumet Ave. There are still hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Door prizes and a silent auction still take place. This year, please expect a DJ instead of a live band. There is a variety of different music played from different genres to keep people entertained. The dress is casual. The 2009 dance is going to be held Saturday, September 5th, 2009 from 6 pm- midnight.
Tickets can be ordered in advance or at the door and cost $10.00/person or $15.00/couple. Contact David Souders at (219) 405-9566 or any of the three Valparaiso Firehouses for tickets. For more information regarding the dance, please call (219) 405-9566 and ask for Dave or email davidsouders@csinet.net. For more about the Valparaiso Firefighters, visit their website: valpofire1124.org.
Our next fundraiser will be the Valparaiso Firefighters Local 1124 corn roast at the Popcorn Festival, Saturday September 12, 2009.
Our booth will be located at the corner of E. Monroe And S. Washington streets. Stop by and support us and our mission while satisfying your craving for that perfect, juicy and succulent Corn on the Cob, your taste buds will thank you. Not to mention you can just hang out with the Firefighters and have a good time.