Hero Fund exceeds fundraising goal

By Kady Weddle 

Molle Toyota, in partnership with FOX4, hosted Hero Fund USA’s 3rd Annual First Responder Safety Telethon on Sept. 9, highlighted by a visit from Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.

With the help of various organizations, including phone volunteers from the surrounding community, the event helped raise $29,284, surpassing last year’s effort by some $7,000. The funds will go toward much-needed safety equipment and resources for Kansas City metro area first responders, including their families in case of fatal or critical injuries.

“First responders are out there every day risking their lives for people they’re never gonna meet, they’re never gonna see. I think it’s great when organizations like this step up,” said Gov. Parson.

During his visit, the governor made a special proclamation declaring Sept. 5-11 as Hero Fund USA First Responder Safety Awareness Week and a time to honor the 400 first responders who sacrificed their lives 20 years ago at the World Trade Center.

The day was filled with interviews from Kansas City first responder agencies that have received funding for new safety equipment and resources from Hero Fund USA. “There are so many gaps between what departments can afford in their budget structure and what the needs are today,” said Hero Fund USA Executive Director Darrell Smith. “We are blessed and grateful to FOX4 and their viewers for their enthusiastic support.”

Hero Fund USA will have two more fundraisers this year:

FALL CLASSIC AT CREEKMORE in Raymore, MO on September 30th is a new annual event for Hero Fund USA. The organization needs teams/foursomes in the event and is discounting the team entry in an effort to establish a strong base for the annual event.

DINING WITH HEROES at Cable-Dahmer Arena on Thursday, November 4^th is one of the premier social events of the early holiday season.  This is a ‘taste-of’ event featuring specialties from 12 locally-owned, upscale restaurants coupled with wine and beer pairings, the First-Responder blend coffee and more.  There will be interactive First-Responder safety exhibits, K9 demonstrations, drone fly-overs First-Responder vehicles in the venue and many more special features.  Table sponsorships are available.