When you are a firefighter you are the first on the scene to see, and to treat, burn victims. You are up close and personal. You see their pain. You feel their pain. You want to help their pain. On Monday we buried one of our own firefighters, 30 year old GARY PATZELT, whose passion included helping burn injured, especially the children.
The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation offers many services to burn survivors and especially close to GARY’S heart was the Champ Camp, a weeklong camp for kids scarred by fire. This past June 130 kids were able to attend this week long camp, in part due to the passion GARY and others have for this program. This is one time that these kids, ages 5-16, are around others like themselves; they fit in, they thrive, they continue to push beyond their limits. Because of donations and fundraisers, this camp is free for the children.
Champ Camp Attendee
We strongly encourage locals to support this foundation, in Gary’s memory, and in honor of all the kids that attend this camp. They are now dealing with challenges no one could ever imagine would be their reality. The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation’s mission is to ‘enhance the quality of life for burn survivors and promote burn prevention education in California.’
Our own South San Francisco Fire Fighters (Local 1507) are presenting a fundraiser on September 27, a Concert at the old State Theater featuring Taryn Cross and 48 Straight. The cost for this event is only $25 with catered meals costing $15. Alcohol will be available for purchase at this adult only event (must be 21 and older). We know this event will sell out fast so get your tickets ASAP.
In addition, South City’s own TERRY LAUDERDALE will be performing with his Van Halen Tribute Band HOT FOR TEACHERS at yet another fundraiser for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation on September 7 at the Pyramid Alehouse in Berkeley. This event is the 2nd Annual BONE BREWFEST & STREET FAIR sponsored by 107.7 THE BONE. This year the event is free and all ages are welcome – with beer tasting tickets available for $25. $30 at the door.
Donations in Gary’s memory can be sent to:
Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation 2601 Mission St. #401 San Francisco, CA 94110
Tickets for SSFFD Local 1507 Old State Theatre Concert can be purchased online at:
https://iaff1507concert.eventbrite.com/
Tickets for Terry Lauderdale Hot for Teachers & 107.7 Bone Brewfest can be purchased online at:
http://bonebrewfest2013.eventbrite.com/