By Madison Fisler Lewis
Oct. 15, 2014. Join The Boone Professional Firefighters Association in its efforts to provide warm, American-made coats to 100 children in the High Country this year. On Oct. 21, Local 5012 will host a fundraiser at Makoto’s Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar in Boone to help raise funds for Operation Warm to purchase new, warm coats for children in need.
During lunch or dinner on Oct. 21, guests can use this coupon and present it to the server. When using this coupon, guests are ensured that a portion of their bill will be donated to Operation Warm.
The Operation Warm Project was founded in 2002 to help fight the lack of adequate winter clothing.
“By necessity, families struggling to survive prioritize food, heat and rent above winter clothing, resulting in frequent absenteeism from school. This translates not only to foregone learning but also missed opportunities for socialization, play and balanced nutrition provided through the Federal Free and Reduced Meal Program. School attendance is as important as warmth because through education, upcoming generations will be productive, helpful and enterprising,” reads Project Warm’s website.
Boone Firefighters have become ambassadors of Operation Warm and need the assistance of the community to help meet the lofty goal of funding coats for 100 children in need.
If you can’t make it to the fundraiser, there is another way to help. Donations can be made online here to help raise money for the cause.
“All money donated online or at the fundraiser will stay in the Boone and Watauga County Area,” said Mark Parlier, vice president of the Boone Professional Firefighters Association Local 5012.
“The firefighters approached us about a month ago about doing this,” said Gwen Dhing, owner of Makoto’s Restaurant in Boone.
“We like to do fundraisers to give back to the community when possible. This fundraiser is really important, especially for this area. Kids need warm coats and I think this fundraiser is a great way to get them. It brings people out to eat, and the firefighters will be here to talk to people and answer questions about the foundation. When people go out to dinner it is a lot of fun, and it is great family time. Why not enjoy a night out and get some kids warm coats while you’re at it?”
For more information about this event, contact Mark Parlier at 828-387-1984.
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