The Rancho Santa Fe Firefighters Association (RSFFA) is involved in various fundraising activities throughout the year. From pancake breakfasts to the "Fill the Boot" boot drive for the burn institute, to firehouse dinner auctions the RSF Firefighters Association is very active in its outreach towards the community.
One of the annual events that we participate in is the Summer Solstice Wiffle Ball Tournament. It is a full day of friendly competition and family games that ends in a classy dinner function until late in the evening. Dinner includes entertainment, live and silent auctions, and plenty of inspiration that is set to the chosen theme of that year! This is an awesome family event that was started by a local family to celebrate the life of their son Liam who is battling Cystic Fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of many young children each year. A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce thick mucous that clogs the lungs and obstructs the pancreas that hinder natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. For more information on the aspects of this disease and how they are working on a cure please visit: http://www.cff.org/AboutCF/
There is currently no cure for Cystic Fibrosis but the foundation has greatly helped to improve the quality and length of life for CF patients. Quality of life and a cure for the disease is the ultimate goal and that is the spirit of this event!
The ‘Wiffle Ball Tournament’ was originally an annual get together between college friends on the beach. When Liam was born they turned that social event into a fundraiser and further heightened their sense of community and friendship. That event has grown tremendously over the last 16 years and the support has continued to grow by the community and friends. This family event has raised close to a $1million dollars over the years and is truly a celebration of life.
The RSF Professional Firefighters were approached to organize and cook the pancake breakfast for the annual event. We have cooked the breakfast annually for the past 3 years for approximately 300 contestants to kick off the opening ceremonies of the Tournament. Many of the guests at this event are residents of the Rancho Santa Fe Fire District and it is another great way to get involved with the community.
I have been friends with Liam and his family for many years. It has been great getting to know their friends and community better through this event. It is an honor that they have allowed my coordinating the breakfast as an RSFFA Local 4349 member. Liam truly loves the spirit of competition and family atmosphere that this fundraiser is all about. Building friendships and helping to serve the community is one aspect the RSF Firefighters are actively involved in and the ‘Summer Solstice Wiffle Ball Tournament’ is no exception!
(Note: currently this is an invite only competition due to capacity)
