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Mt. Pleasant VFD offers portrait for donation
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By Marilyn Forbes
Published: Saturday, March 16, 2013, 12:01 a.m.
Updated: Saturday, March 16, 2013
The Mt. Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department has begun a unique way to raise funds for a new truck, opting to offer the residents something in return for their donations.
Looking to add a new vehicle to its fleet, which would in turn eliminate two older vehicles, anyone who donates to the department will receive a free 10x13 portrait taken by the professional photographers at Color Craft.
“They approached us several years ago, and I passed the information on to our secretary this year,” Mt. Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department Chief Gerald Lucia said.
Every family that donates will not only get a free portrait, but for each portrait taken, Color Craft will donate an additional $10 to the department.
“It will be an effective way for the fire department to get more money and then the families can get a free photo, so it's a great deal for everyone,” Lucia said.
The department has sent fundraising letters in the past seeking donations for other new vehicles it has purchased, but found the numbers mailed back with donations have dwindled.
“The last time, we only got about 18 percent back,” department secretary Rob Stanek said.
Stanek said the VFD decided to look into fresh approaches for fundraising.
“We got a good start with this one, but we could be doing better,” Stanek said.
More than 2,700 mailers were sent out with the pitch.
“Hopefully this offer will attract more people,” he said.
Those who send back donations will be contacted by the studio to set up times for private sessions, which will be held on Sunday at the fire department.
“They are scheduling appointments, so they don't have everyone coming at the same time,” Stanek said.
Because the fundraiser was put together in a short period of time, other dates will be offered to those families who cannot make Sunday's sitting.
“They are talking about doing it for several weekends,” Lucia said.
All monies raised from the portraits and the donations will go toward the purchase of the new truck.
The portraits are for families, friends, individuals, even a family pet.
“We'd like to get as many as we can,” Stanek said. “This is something that we thought we could try, sending out our regular donation letters, but with a little twist. We appreciate all the support that we receive and we hope that we see a good response to this latest effort.”
For borough residents in need of a form, call the department at 724-547-8501 or email to MPVFD38@zoominternet.net.
Marilyn Forbes is a freelance writer.
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