fundraiser underway

With instant access to technology and a staggering economy, many unscrupulous people are always looking for ways to make money at the expense of others, usually in an illegal way called “scamming,” “identify theft” and other methods.

There are, however, some legitimate fundraisers always going on to benefit groups, organizations and eventually the community at large. One such worthwhile fundraiser now taking place in Albany and Clinton County is the 12th annual Albany Fire Department’s portrait funddraiser.

The event has been ongoing for about two weeks now but will continue for two or three more weeks in an attempt to raise money to help purchase needed items for the fire department.

This year, according to Fire Chief Robert Roeper, the proceeds will be used a little differently, but for the same worthwhile cause. Money raised from the 2014 campaign will go toward purchasing training equipment for the new Albany Fire Station, funds not covered under the grant for the building construction.

Master Artists Studios of Burkesville is again the company doing the portrait fundraiser for the department and it is their representatives who are going door-to-door offering residents the chance to donate to the fire department and receive one free portrait, with the chance to purchase packages but at no obligations. The cost of the portrait is a $20 donation to the fire department.

Roeper noted that since the some 24 volunteer firemen in the department all have jobs and are busy, the portrait company uses their own representatives to do the door-to-door footwork. But, to prove the fundraiser is authentic, citizens are presented a letter signed by the fire chief, as well as his phone number on the letter for people to confirm the legitimacy of the donation.

Those citizens who make a donation and want to have photos taken will be notified by the company and given a time and date for the pictures to be taken. Those will be taken, probably on a weekend, at the fire station.

Roeper noted that it takes about $7,000 each to cover the cost per firefighter, considering turn-out gear, protective gear, etc.

Last year, some equipment was purchased with the just over $3,200 that was raised.

The fire chief said he and the department appreciated everyone who helped out with the project and also said he was excited about the new fire station being built.

Construction of the new larger and upgraded facility is expected to begin next month with completion by early this fall.