First Aid Funds dry...

[novillero]

Tough times hit first aid fundraising
Squad's representatives say responses are down; concerned about future
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer

All is takes is 6 cents a day. Members of the Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad say that just pennies a day from each family in Freehold Borough and Freehold Township would cover the annual budget the squad needs to maintain the organization properly and safely.

And yet, year after year, the volunteer organization cannot seem to reach its annual fundraising goal. That reality, according to squad representatives, is eating away at the organization's savings and threatening its future.

The issue was a topic of discussion at the Aug. 3 meeting of the Borough Council in Freehold Borough.

Bill Madden, a past president and current trustee of the squad, came to the meeting with Jim McAllister, another past president and past trustee, to once again say the squad needs help.

The men, who co-chair the squad's annual fundraising campaign, said they want residents of both towns to know that unless things change and more money is raised and more volunteers sign up, the squad will not be able to operate as it has for more than 60 years.

The 2008 fundraising mailers went out to residents during the first week in June. According to McAllister, only 14 percent of the individuals who were sent a mailer have responded. The mailers have raised $91,000 of the $200,000 the squad's officers were hoping to raise.

The men said that since most of the responses to the annual request for a donation are generally received by this time, the current response means trouble, not only for the squad's regular operating expenses, but for the two new ambulances that must be purchased this year. The ambulances will cost a total of about $200,000.

Last year the response rate for the first aid squad's fundraising mailers was about 23 percent, which the chairmen said was very low.

"We are answering 4,000 calls per year now," McAllister said. "We need to replace two ambulances and we need financial help and more volunteers."

He said the first aid squad's operating expenses for 2006 came to $296,000 and donations totaled $153,000 (approximately 52 percent covered by donations). In 2007, the operating expenses were $326,800 and donations totaled $144,000 (approximately 44 percent covered by donations).

McAllister said 15,700 mailers were sent to residents in Freehold Borough and in Freehold Township in June.

"Break it down and a $21 donation from each address a letter was sent to would cover our budget (i.e., a total of $329,000)," he told the council.

Madden said a second mailer will be sent out asking for a donation. He noted that it will cost $3,000 to send out the reminders and said he believes that money could be put to much better use within the organization.

He said that "unless something turns drastically different, our savings will be gone soon. … Unless we get some money, we are in trouble because without the funds, we cannot answer calls at all. We've got to do better than this."

Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer praised Madden and McAllister and noted that between them they have provided more than 80 years of volunteer service to the squad.

"They put their money where their mouths are," she said, and added, "If everyone at this meeting would tell five people about the importance of contributing to the first aid squad, maybe things would be better."

Councilman Kevin Kane said most people cannot understand what it takes to be a first aid squad member unless they have lived with one.

McAllister noted that Kane's motherin law, Fran Eckhardt, was a member of the first aid squad for many years. She was one the squad's first female members and one of its first female captains.

Councilman Marc Le Vine said people should reach deep into their wallets for the first aid squad.

"In times of tragedy they are always there for us and there's no place for them to turn when the funds drop," he said.

Le Vine offered to do what he could to help the squad raise funds.

Madden told the News Transcript that Freehold Borough contributes $14,000 in funding, plus free gas, free water, a taxfree building to house the first aid squad and workers' compensation. The borough also maintains the lawn and takes care of snow removal for the squad, which has its headquarters on Spring Street.

Madden said Freehold Township provides $35,000 to the squad, and he noted that Monmouth County also contributes annually.

To compare that level of support with other towns, Howell Township Manager Helen Schlegel said the town provides $70,000 to each of Howell's three volunteer first aid squads. The town also purchases ambulances on a rotating basis, one for each squad every four years, she said.

According to Manalapan Business Administrator Tara Lovrich, the funds provided to the Englishtown-Manalapan First Aid Squad varies from year to year and can be up to $35,000. Manalapan purchases all of the equipment used by the squad and pays the insurance for the squad's vehicles.

According to Englishtown Borough Administrator Laurie Finger, Englishtown provides $9,000 annually for the Englishtown Manalapan First Aid Squad.

Jackson Administrator Phil Del Turco said the township appropriates $20,000 annually for its volunteer first aid squad.

Freehold Borough Councilman Michael DiBenedetto may have summed up the situation the best when he said, "The first aid squad answers their calls with their hearts, but they arrive at the calls with our funds."
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/0813/front_page/002.html

[adefonzo]

I realize this link is a few months old, but I wanted to comment on a couple of things.

First of all...in regard to having to spend money on the donation requests that are sent out, and now the second round of "reminders" that were also sent out...perhaps a viable option would be to place a letter in with the town's water bills...which are sent to every home and business within the Borough. This could be done year round as a constant reminder that the First Aid Squad is always seeking donations.

Most of us know that the schools already have a quarterly newsletter that goes out with the water bills...something similar from the First Aid Squad doesn't seem to be to tough to put together.

Next...I am curious as to the breakdown of calls that are answered here in the Borough versus calls answered in the Township. Also...along those lines...I see that the Township donates about 2 1/2 times as much to the Squad as the Boro does, but the Boro adds on a list of other services that it provides for the First Aid Squad...I wonder if the Township (with 3 times as many people as the Boro) offers any other "shared services" to the Squad?

Finally, I was at the meeting where all of this was discussed, and I listened to all of the Council people give their little talk about the First Aid Squad...and since then, I have thought about that whole topic of how much our local officials make in comparrison to other council people in the county.

I'm not going to ask or judge any of our council people with regard to whether or not they contributed to the First Aid Squad, or if they did...how much did they donate? I will simply say that if it were me...if for no other reason than as a token gesture...I would take a significant portion of that "extra income" from being a council person, and donate it to several areas and organizations in town. The First Aid Squad is an obvious choice, and the Freehold Borough Education Foundation is another.

Just my own thoughts.

[casualreader]

Defonzo dude:

I think this argument you make is supercilious. (Brian has told me to play nice so I will use a word he does not understand).

These councilmen/woman -- and none of them are personal favorites -- make a pittance.

The $8,000 (I forget the exact figure) is chump change for the aggravation of dealing with people like you and the LLA posse. Let them keep a little of their dinero. I am sure they have bills to pay too.

Casually Defending the Council for a Change

[adefonzo]

Once again, you both jump before you read and fully understand what was written.

"I'm not going to ask or judge any of our council people with regard to whether or not they contributed to the First Aid Squad, or if they did...how much did they donate?"

Slow down...read the post before you jump to criticize the one who wrote it...I know it's a new idea for many...but try to take in more information before taking the opportunity to knock someone.

And as for the ever intellectually superior Casual reader, who continues to condescend from his/her position high atop whatever lofty perch he/she perceives shimself to be on...I think most of your arguments sound like puke (I use a word that I think all can understand)...regurgitated nonsense with a foul odor and an even nastier taste.

Sorry, I left my dictionary and thesaurus at home.

[casualreader]

Randy Andy:

I understood perfectly your position -- you want them (councilpeople) to give the few pennies they make to local charities -- well maybe, just maybe -- they want to keep some for themselves.

Are you some socialist trying to redistribute the wealth or something?

I did not misunderstand you -- I understood you perfectly and thought your position was small-minded, like your periodic jabs at the immigrant community.

Thinking small -- that is your motto.

Casually Offended

[richardkelsey]

Aug 12, 2008 21:06:03 GMT -5 novillero said:

Tough times hit first aid fund-raising
Squad's representatives say responses are down; concerned about future
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer

All is takes is 6 cents a day. Members of the Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad say that just pennies a day from each family in Freehold Borough and Freehold Township would cover the annual budget the squad needs to maintain the organization properly and safely.

And yet, year after year, the volunteer organization cannot seem to reach its annual fund-raising goal. That reality, according to squad representatives, is eating away at the organization's savings and threatening its future.

The issue was a topic of discussion at the Aug. 3 meeting of the Borough Council in Freehold Borough.

Bill Madden, a past president and current trustee of the squad, came to the meeting with Jim McAllister, another past president and past trustee, to once again say the squad needs help.

The men, who co-chair the squad's annual fund-raising campaign, said they want residents of both towns to know that unless things change and more money is raised and more volunteers sign up, the squad will not be able to operate as it has for more than 60 years.

The 2008 fund-raising mailers went out to residents during the first week in June. According to McAllister, only 14 percent of the individuals who were sent a mailer have responded. The mailers have raised $91,000 of the $200,000 the squad's officers were hoping to raise.

The men said that since most of the responses to the annual request for a donation are generally received by this time, the current response means trouble, not only for the squad's regular operating expenses, but for the two new ambulances that must be purchased this year. The ambulances will cost a total of about $200,000.

Last year the response rate for the first aid squad's fund-raising mailers was about 23 percent, which the chairmen said was very low.

"We are answering 4,000 calls per year now," McAllister said. "We need to replace two ambulances and we need financial help and more volunteers."

He said the first aid squad's operating expenses for 2006 came to $296,000 and donations totaled $153,000 (approximately 52 percent covered by donations). In 2007, the operating expenses were $326,800 and donations totaled $144,000 (approximately 44 percent covered by donations).

McAllister said 15,700 mailers were sent to residents in Freehold Borough and in Freehold Township in June.

"Break it down and a $21 donation from each address a letter was sent to would cover our budget (i.e., a total of $329,000)," he told the council.

Madden said a second mailer will be sent out asking for a donation. He noted that it will cost $3,000 to send out the reminders and said he believes that money could be put to much better use within the organization.

He said that "unless something turns drastically different, our savings will be gone soon. … Unless we get some money, we are in trouble because without the funds, we cannot answer calls at all. We've got to do better than this."

Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer praised Madden and McAllister and noted that between them they have provided more than 80 years of volunteer service to the squad.

"They put their money where their mouths are," she said, and added, "If everyone at this meeting would tell five people about the importance of contributing to the first aid squad, maybe things would be better."

Councilman Kevin Kane said most people cannot understand what it takes to be a first aid squad member unless they have lived with one.

McAllister noted that Kane's motherin law, Fran Eckhardt, was a member of the first aid squad for many years. She was one the squad's first female members and one of its first female captains.

Councilman Marc Le Vine said people should reach deep into their wallets for the first aid squad.

"In times of tragedy they are always there for us and there's no place for them to turn when the funds drop," he said.

Le Vine offered to do what he could to help the squad raise funds.

Madden told the News Transcript that Freehold Borough contributes $14,000 in funding, plus free gas, free water, a taxfree building to house the first aid squad and workers' compensation. The borough also maintains the lawn and takes care of snow removal for the squad, which has its headquarters on Spring Street.

Madden said Freehold Township provides $35,000 to the squad, and he noted that Monmouth County also contributes annually.

To compare that level of support with other towns, Howell Township Manager Helen Schlegel said the town provides $70,000 to each of Howell's three volunteer first aid squads. The town also purchases ambulances on a rotating basis, one for each squad every four years, she said.

According to Manalapan Business Administrator Tara Lovrich, the funds provided to the Englishtown-Manalapan First Aid Squad varies from year to year and can be up to $35,000. Manalapan purchases all of the equipment used by the squad and pays the insurance for the squad's vehicles.

According to Englishtown Borough Administrator Laurie Finger, Englishtown provides $9,000 annually for the Englishtown Manalapan First Aid Squad.

Jackson Administrator Phil Del Turco said the township appropriates $20,000 annually for its volunteer first aid squad.

Freehold Borough Councilman Michael DiBenedetto may have summed up the situation the best when he said, "The first aid squad answers their calls with their hearts, but they arrive at the calls with our funds."
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/0813/front_page/002.html

I have a suggestion.

First -- let me say that I hold no group of first-responders in higher regard than I do the EMT's and emergency personnel who answer the call to a home when you are in your darkest hour.

That's right people -- when you pick up that phone because a loved one's life is hanging in the balance -- you know with confidence someone will be at your home in minutes working feverishly to save a life.

I think we all tend to forget that -- and I am no exception to the rule. That is -- we forget it until it happens to us and our loved ones.

I can still remember the day my almost 3 year old went into a seizure and his eyes rolled up in the back of his head, making horrifying sounds like he could barely breath. We had 2 older children, so we don't panick easily. But when you think your child could be dying in your arms -- you come face to face with the worst fear on earth. When we picked up our phone and called for help, we found help at our door less than 3 minutes later.

Dad and baby were strapped to a seat and speeding to the hospital as I wondered if my son would recover. I had no way to know what was wrong, and no way to know what result would come. I only knew that complete strangers answered my call in record time, took world class care of my son, eased my fears and panic, and did it all with professionalism.

I would have handed them my life had they only asked for it in return for help.

You can bet your butt that when the mailer hits my door in my community every year -- we write a check and say a special thanks for those great heroes.

Unless you are immortal -- you should too.

So -- my suggestion -- (Assuming they don't do this already) -- They ought to find real residents they have helped and let them tell their stories of thanks and appreciation in the next fund-raising letter. Let your friends and neighbors know that these heroes have helped you, and that the time to give back is now. You know what -- I hope it is never, ever, someone else's child or loved one getting taken away on a gurney -- but I know for fact it will be someone's.

[adefonzo]

Nov 10, 2008 14:53:27 GMT -5 casualreader said:

Randy Andy:

I understood perfectly your position -- you want them (councilpeople) to give the few pennies they make to local charities -- well maybe, just maybe -- they want to keep some for themselves.

Are you some socialist trying to redistribute the wealth or something?

I did not misunderstand you -- I understood you perfectly and thought your position was small-minded, like your periodic jabs at the immigrant community.

Thinking small -- that is your motto.

Casually Offended

Well, I can't help but be small minded...I like to keep things simple.

As for my position, contrary to your deductions as a result of your superior sense of omnipotence, you did not understand me perfectly. I did not say that the council people should contribute some of the money they receive. I did not say that they should not keep some of it for themselves. What I said was what I would do if I were in the same situation as they are. And again, I said this right after saying that I did not judge any of them for whether or not they contribute.

Keep dancing though, as it's about all I have ever seen you do well.

[casualreader]

I celebrate your answer LisaS -- there is no doubt you are a wordsmith of the highest order -- You saw right through DeFonzo's verbal undulations.

DeFonzo Obfuscates when he is cornered as you have so adroitly pointed out.

Casual Salutes You

[richardkelsey]

Nov 10, 2008 15:30:56 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Don't be upset, Andrew. Reading your post, it was clearly implied through the sequence of thoughts that you were questioning if the council members made donations (I am an editor for a living, I get paid to read, interpret, rewrite, etc.).

This is combined with the fact that long-term readers have read your posts in the past that have clearly chastised the council; you simply don't like them, which is your prerogative.

So, then, what was the motive or point to talking about council donations?

I did not read Andrew's post as you did -- and I have a fairly sensitive nose for sniffing out a good pot shot at politicians.

I think he was saying that if he were in that position, he would lead by example. For all we know, by the way, the Council are contributing mightily.

I will tell you that I have served on several Boards. One in particular it is an expectation that along with your service to that Board, you will be a contributor to that organization -- and you will do so in a manner that is substantial when viewed by the outside. You will also do so publicly, for the purpose of inspiring others to do so.

Now -- you can't find that in the written by-laws of the organization -- but it is an expectation of leadership and involvement. It is, after all, hard to ask people to give when you yourself have not. As community leaders they should be asking and imploring others to give --a nd I think we have seen a record of that in our postings. Likewise, they should give too, and do so publicly and loudly.

But the truth be told -- they are not required to do so.

People get very tricky about money and charity. it is understandable. Sometimes the biggest gifts come from those least likely -- while little or no gifts come from those most able. That's life.

I read Andrews post as saying that if it were him -- he would be giving. I really don't think he was taking a shot at the current council. Trust me, I know how to take a good shot -- and so does Andrew.

[adefonzo]

Nov 10, 2008 15:30:56 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Don't be upset, Andrew. Reading your post, it was clearly implied through the sequence of thoughts that you were questioning if the council members made donations (I am an editor for a living, I get paid to read, interpret, rewrite, etc.).

This is combined with the fact that long-term readers have read your posts in the past that have clearly chastised the council; you simply don't like them, which is your prerogative.

So, then, what was the motive or point to talking about council donations?

Read, interpret, and determine whatever you'd like...

I'm not upset...to paraphrase a line I once heard...in my world, this is all about as upsetting as a cloudy day.

Yes, it's true, I do have a dislike for several council members, and yes it goes beyond having a difference of opinion because I have seen some of the dirty games they play that go unnoticed by many in town. But to think that because I have criticized them all when (for example) they all sign their names to a letter that I feel is foolishly written, that this means I have the same dislike for all of them...well, that's just presuming a bit much.

They are public servants. They chose to run for the positions they hold. It would be (dare I say) foolish for them to assume that they will not be questioned and challenged on the things that they do.

In fact, on several occasions on this site as well as in the last letter I wrote to the Transcript, I specifically said that I do not dislike all members of the Town Council.

But...read, interpret, and determine whatever you choose...again...cloudy days.

I especially have to laugh when certain folks continue to throw out the jabs that I'm somehow against the immigrant community, when anyone who reads anything that I have written realizes that what problems or questions or even dislikes I may have revolve around the "illegal" immigrant community...oh yeah...and their supposed "defenders".

It's a bit boring going round and round on these things...I'll just have to chalk this one up to another topic where I obviously disagree with some folks.

[admin]

Wow! I go outside to rake leaves ( the job Americans love!) and this thread explodes! I see good points all around, what people donate is their private business, but I do not see Andrew on the attack here. I interpret his tone as more of a"what I would do" type thing.

And I do know that at least some council members do donate at least part of their pay to good causes. But, it is not for me to divulge that info.

[casualreader]

Brian Dude:

I think Defonzo dude is being a bit insensitive. What if some of the council people are of modest income?

Do they really need to proclaim loudly their financial contributions? It could be a source of embarrassment.

It is quixotic don't you think that I am defending the Council, but I think DeFonzo is sometimes very hostile towards them, because he is on the outside of power looking in.

Casually Charitable

[admin]

Nov 10, 2008 14:55:45 GMT -5 richardkelsey said:

Aug 12, 2008 21:06:03 GMT -5 novillero said:

Tough times hit first aid fund-raising
Squad's representatives say responses are down; concerned about future
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer

All is takes is 6 cents a day. Members of the Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad say that just pennies a day from each family in Freehold Borough and Freehold Township would cover the annual budget the squad needs to maintain the organization properly and safely.

And yet, year after year, the volunteer organization cannot seem to reach its annual fund-raising goal. That reality, according to squad representatives, is eating away at the organization's savings and threatening its future.

The issue was a topic of discussion at the Aug. 3 meeting of the Borough Council in Freehold Borough.

Bill Madden, a past president and current trustee of the squad, came to the meeting with Jim McAllister, another past president and past trustee, to once again say the squad needs help.

The men, who co-chair the squad's annual fund-raising campaign, said they want residents of both towns to know that unless things change and more money is raised and more volunteers sign up, the squad will not be able to operate as it has for more than 60 years.

The 2008 fund-raising mailers went out to residents during the first week in June. According to McAllister, only 14 percent of the individuals who were sent a mailer have responded. The mailers have raised $91,000 of the $200,000 the squad's officers were hoping to raise.

The men said that since most of the responses to the annual request for a donation are generally received by this time, the current response means trouble, not only for the squad's regular operating expenses, but for the two new ambulances that must be purchased this year. The ambulances will cost a total of about $200,000.

Last year the response rate for the first aid squad's fund-raising mailers was about 23 percent, which the chairmen said was very low.

"We are answering 4,000 calls per year now," McAllister said. "We need to replace two ambulances and we need financial help and more volunteers."

He said the first aid squad's operating expenses for 2006 came to $296,000 and donations totaled $153,000 (approximately 52 percent covered by donations). In 2007, the operating expenses were $326,800 and donations totaled $144,000 (approximately 44 percent covered by donations).

McAllister said 15,700 mailers were sent to residents in Freehold Borough and in Freehold Township in June.

"Break it down and a $21 donation from each address a letter was sent to would cover our budget (i.e., a total of $329,000)," he told the council.

Madden said a second mailer will be sent out asking for a donation. He noted that it will cost $3,000 to send out the reminders and said he believes that money could be put to much better use within the organization.

He said that "unless something turns drastically different, our savings will be gone soon. … Unless we get some money, we are in trouble because without the funds, we cannot answer calls at all. We've got to do better than this."

Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer praised Madden and McAllister and noted that between them they have provided more than 80 years of volunteer service to the squad.

"They put their money where their mouths are," she said, and added, "If everyone at this meeting would tell five people about the importance of contributing to the first aid squad, maybe things would be better."

Councilman Kevin Kane said most people cannot understand what it takes to be a first aid squad member unless they have lived with one.

McAllister noted that Kane's motherin law, Fran Eckhardt, was a member of the first aid squad for many years. She was one the squad's first female members and one of its first female captains.

Councilman Marc Le Vine said people should reach deep into their wallets for the first aid squad.

"In times of tragedy they are always there for us and there's no place for them to turn when the funds drop," he said.

Le Vine offered to do what he could to help the squad raise funds.

Madden told the News Transcript that Freehold Borough contributes $14,000 in funding, plus free gas, free water, a taxfree building to house the first aid squad and workers' compensation. The borough also maintains the lawn and takes care of snow removal for the squad, which has its headquarters on Spring Street.

Madden said Freehold Township provides $35,000 to the squad, and he noted that Monmouth County also contributes annually.

To compare that level of support with other towns, Howell Township Manager Helen Schlegel said the town provides $70,000 to each of Howell's three volunteer first aid squads. The town also purchases ambulances on a rotating basis, one for each squad every four years, she said.

According to Manalapan Business Administrator Tara Lovrich, the funds provided to the Englishtown-Manalapan First Aid Squad varies from year to year and can be up to $35,000. Manalapan purchases all of the equipment used by the squad and pays the insurance for the squad's vehicles.

According to Englishtown Borough Administrator Laurie Finger, Englishtown provides $9,000 annually for the Englishtown Manalapan First Aid Squad.

Jackson Administrator Phil Del Turco said the township appropriates $20,000 annually for its volunteer first aid squad.

Freehold Borough Councilman Michael DiBenedetto may have summed up the situation the best when he said, "The first aid squad answers their calls with their hearts, but they arrive at the calls with our funds."
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2008/0813/front_page/002.html

I have a suggestion.

First -- let me say that I hold no group of first-responders in higher regard than I do the EMT's and emergency personnel who answer the call to a home when you are in your darkest hour.

That's right people -- when you pick up that phone because a loved one's life is hanging in the balance -- you know with confidence someone will be at your home in minutes working feverishly to save a life.

I think we all tend to forget that -- and I am no exception to the rule. That is -- we forget it until it happens to us and our loved ones.

I can still remember the day my almost 3 year old went into a seizure and his eyes rolled up in the back of his head, making horrifying sounds like he could barely breath. We had 2 older children, so we don't panick easily. But when you think your child could be dying in your arms -- you come face to face with the worst fear on earth. When we picked up our phone and called for help, we found help at our door less than 3 minutes later.

Dad and baby were strapped to a seat and speeding to the hospital as I wondered if my son would recover. I had no way to know what was wrong, and no way to know what result would come. I only knew that complete strangers answered my call in record time, took world class care of my son, eased my fears and panic, and did it all with professionalism.

I would have handed them my life had they only asked for it in return for help.

You can bet your butt that when the mailer hits my door in my community every year -- we write a check and say a special thanks for those great heroes.

Unless you are immortal -- you should too.

So -- my suggestion -- (Assuming they don't do this already) -- They ought to find real residents they have helped and let them tell their stories of thanks and appreciation in the next fund-raising letter. Let your friends and neighbors know that these heroes have helped you, and that the time to give back is now. You know what -- I hope it is never, ever, someone else's child or loved one getting taken away on a gurney -- but I know for fact it will be someone's.

Rich, those are great suggestions and your experience provides a very good look into the value of the first aid squad.

Another view is from this side of the emergency personnel themselves. They deserve support because they do a very hard job. (This goes for police and fire fighters too. )

It takes a tough and dedicated person to volunteer for emergency services. It is an awful thing to have somebody's loved one pass away in your arms as you are attempting to give care. With all the training and all the preparation, it is very hard to do all the right things and still watch as another human beings last breath leaves their body.

First Aid squad members put themselves in that possible position every time they volunteer. For that alone, they deserve support. They are there when we need them most.