Hillsboro Firefighters Swing into Action for Charity

Golf Tourney

Above: Firefighter Ted Whiteman, a member of Random Acts of Kindness program, checks out a 2009 Kawasaki Teryx LE 750 valued at $11,549 courtesy of Motorsport Hillsboro. The ATV will be one of the prizes for a hole-in-one at the charity's golf tournament June 10th.

Off duty Hillsboro Firefighters are hanging up their axes and hoses for a day on June 10th to help conduct a charity golf tournament at The Reserve Vineyard and Golf Club, 4805 SW 229th Avenue, Aloha. The event is designed to help generate funds for two worthy causes: The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Hillsboro Firefighters Random Acts of Kindness program. Both are 501(c)3 charities and each receives half of the net proceeds from the event.

“We are hoping that golfers of all skill levels will join us for a great day of golf at the beautiful Reserve Golf Club as we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and we help those who need assistance due to hardships from an emergency,” said Hillsboro Fire Chief Gary Seidel. The Radom Acts of Kindness effort began in 1994 by local firefighters.

“We help people every day in the course of our job,” said Firefighter Ted Whiteman, “But, of course, we can’t use taxpayer funds to help solve many of the citizens’ needs following their emergency. That’s where Random Acts of Kindness comes in.” The group has provided aid in many forms, such as building a wheelchair ramp for a senior citizen, paying for plumbing repairs of a woman recently widowed, and providing a bus ticket and food for a traveler stranded and without cash.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation was created to honor fallen fire heroes and help their families and coworkers. The organization offers direct assistance to firefighters’ families following a line of duty death; scholarships for spouses and children of firefighters killed in action; and networking and grief support for families and coworkers following a death.

The 2009 Golf Tournament kicks off with a 1:30 pm shotgun tee-off (Registration opens at 12:00) and is followed by a dinner buffet, silent auction and awards from 5:30 to 7:15 pm. Individuals may play for $150 and a team may play for $500. The price includes 18 holes of best ball scramble golf, the awards buffet, a gift bag for each golfer, and participation in the silent auction.

There are still sponsorships opportunities available. They range from $500 for a cart sponsor to $100 for a bunker sponsor. If you are unable to play on June 10th, you can make a direct contribution in several ways: a check to the Hillsboro Random Acts of Kindness, a check to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation or donation of a silent auction item. For more information or to register for the tournament, contact the Hillsboro Fire Department at 503-681-6166.