The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Charity benefit to be held March 1
PUBLISHED: January 31, 2008
While a $25 ticket to the Saline Area Firefighters Association's annual charity benefit March 1 will provide entertainment for area residents, the money raised will send children recovering from painful burn injuries to camp this summer.
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The event started as a winter dance more than 30 years ago, said Saline Chief Craig Hoeft, and eventually evolved into a benefit. For about the last decade, money raised has been donated to the University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center. Last year, the charity dance drew some 200 people and raised more than $2,000 for the kids burn camp in Middleville.
The weeklong camp is free for children ages 8 through 17 who have been treated at burn centers across the state. The camp provides a safe, therapeutic setting that allows children who have suffered burn injuries the opportunity to meet kids just like themselves, said Susan Polan, the events coordinator at the University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center.
"It's important for children to be with other kids who have experienced the same injuries, painful rehabilitation and social consequences," she said.
The camp gives participants a safe and nurturing place to share their feelings and experiences. It helps kids heal both emotionally and physically.
The camp is staffed by firefighters, nurses, paramedics, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, and YMCA accredited counselors.
Hoeft has attended burn camp. The experience, he said, was unforgettable.
"There's something about seeing a little 6- or 7-year-old girl or boy with burns and knowing what they have to go through. It really grabs you," Hoeft said.
The fund-raiser, which will feature a charity auction, casino and dance, will be held 7 p.m. March 1 at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds near Saline.
Casino games will include blackjack, Texas Hold'em, craps table and roulette, with prizes. There also will be a live band, Launch Pad.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
"It's a good time," Hoeft said. "It's like going to a wedding reception in Saline. You know everybody."
For more information, contact the Saline Area Fire Department at 429-4440.
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