Many thanks to the Gray Fire Department for joining our Can-It! Aluminum Can Recycling Program. Fire Chief Max Wood not only requested a can wagon, but also plans to hold a boot drive for the Burn Foundation in memory of his father, former Fire Chief Joe Wood. |
Upcoming Events
June 4-9
South Carolina Fire-Rescue Conference
August 13-17
Strategic Planning
September 10
4th Annual Savannah Charity Golf Tournament
For more information please contact Bobbie Jo Gainey at:
bgainey@sfbf.net
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Caring by the Numbers
Rodeo Nights raised $39,500 and the Best Dam Ride raised $9,900. THANKS for your support. The Best Ever! |
Brownie Troop #30197 presented us with a check for $400, earned through cookie sales. Emily Jarriel and others toured the Foundation and met with Doctors Hospital's Child Life Specialist, Erin Carrick, after directing their funds to the Foundation's Pediatric Burn Fund. |
They Kicked Boot!
$60,267
Thanks so much to the firefighters and EMS workers from Lexington, Columbia/Richland, Cayce, Irmo, West Columbia and Batesburg-Leesville. |
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Burn Prevention Tip
When lighting fireworks, always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearly. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly. |
We Love Happy Endings
SFBF is searching for patient stories to use during the Burn Survivors Reunion, Saturday, November 10. Contact us if you have one to share.
1-800-650-BURN or burnshurtwehelp@knology.net |
If you would like to take a swing in our annual Savannah Golf Tournament, Monday, September 10, contact Bobbie Jo Gainey at: bgainey@sfbf.net |
...for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
Psalms 39:12 |
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The love of a family can be powerful medicine. Andy Copeland believes this and so do we. As Father's Day approaches, I think of the men who comprise about one -third of the guests who stay at Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation's Chavis House. Few attract the media attention that Andy has, as he bravely shares his daughter Aimee's journey. Each family that we meet is unique. Coming from diverse backgrounds and communities throughout the country, they share a common goal -to be near their loved one during a sometimes lengthy recovery in the Joseph M. Still Burn Center. As you celebrate with your favorite father this month, remember the fathers, grandfathers, husbands, and brothers who stand by their loved ones during these difficult days. |
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A Generous Heart
Scotti Roberts isn't your typical 14-year-old girl eager to get a pedicure. Is it because she lacks a few toes? Not really - it is because her family focuses on doing for others rather than themselves. 
Six years ago, when Scotti fell into the hot coals of a fire pit, she sustained 42% burns, resulting in the loss of several toes. "Toes are over rated," says Scotti, who aspires to work at the Burn Center some day. She demonstrated that this year when she rode a horse during our annual Rodeo Nights' Opening Ceremonies. Scotti and grandparents, Bo and Connie Cox, of Ocilla, Georgia, raise funds to help sponsor Rodeo Nights through fundraisers like Hat Day at Tiftarea Academy, where you can pay $1 and wear a hat to school. She also spends time encouraging other burn survivors. "We try to do for others because we know what they are going through," explained Connie. "We are truly blessed," said Bo. "And a blessing isn't a blessing unless you pass it on to others." |
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A House with a Heart
Sojourners are cited in the Bible and throughout literature as strangers, travelers, or temporary residents. Each year, about 1,000 sojourners stay at the Foundation's guest retreat, the Jeffrey Vaden Chavis House. Here, families find more than free lodging; they find the compassionate support of staff and other families who are experiencing a similar journey. The newly renovated sleeping spaces provide each family with the privacy and security of a semi-private room. However, after a decade of heavy traffic, the Chavis House guest rooms need a "make over." Project Sojourner is a fundraising  campaign to refurbish the guest rooms and common spaces of the Chavis House, including paint, new furniture, and fabrics. If you know of a group that would like to help us meet our goal of $100,000, please contact us and get involved with Project Sojourner. |
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Gifted Hearts
The McTier family from Wrens, Georgia is an amazingly talented family. Lucy is the artist who painted "The Gift," the beautiful oil painting completed after her husband, David, befriended the family of a burn patient.  Although Lucy's artistry is widely known, she seems most proud of her two sons, Jace and Ty. Both are accomplished artists. Grounded in their faith, it is clear that the McTiers paint with more than oil and canvas - they paint with heart. Donors who make a contribution of $500 or more to Project Sojourner will receive a print of "The Gift" as recognition of their donation. |
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Hearts Afire
Fire Departments throughout Georgia and South Carolina are some of the Foundation's best supporters, raising about 25% of our annual budget. Southside Fire/EMS/Security in Savannah has been involved for many years, hosting aluminum can collection sites and special fundraisers.
Recently Dave Angell (pictured with his wife, Dee), Lars Ljungdahl, Jim Murray and others from the Skidaway Island Division presented the Foundation with $46,000, the proceeds from their 7th Annual Fire and Ice Gala. It came as no surprise that Bob Egan, the 2013 chair, has already begun planning next year's event. Thanks to these busy firefighters who also find time to help the Foundation. |
Compassionate Hearts
Volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year to Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation. It is their "occu-passion." They give generously and with compassion. This very special group greets families in the Burn Center waiting rooms and at the Chavis House. A few words or a friendly smile often helps ease an anxious family arriving for the first time. We were so proud recently when several were recognized by Doctors Hospital's Volunteer Guild for service milestones, including:
Evelyn Casey 5,700 hours, and Winner of the Frist Humanitarian Award, Mitzie Coleman 4,200 hours & 10 year award, Lauretta Eshleman 2,200 hours & 10 year award, Rena Mobley 2,200 hours & 10 year award, Donalee Thomas 2,200 hours, Leo Thomas 1,800 hours, RaeLou Nieberding 1,000 hours, and Linda Aldridge 100 hours. |
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From the Heart...
This month I am reminded of my father. "Father" would have been too formal for our family. He was "Daddy" to me from the first moment I stepped on his steel-toed shoes for a dance until the final days of his life. The Buddhist would say he had a strong back and a soft front. Like an oak tree in a hurricane he was always there, sometimes softened by compassion which leaked out in tears and hugs. When the hurt was something that he couldn't fix, he would rotate the tires on my old car or slip me a few dollars before I headed back to school. It is that soft front that houses our love, our joy, and even our grief. It is that soft front that connects us.
Jo
Jo Maypole
Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation |
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