First responders from two agencies in Richmond County first responder agencies hosting food-based fundraisers.
The Richmond County Rescue Squad is hosting its annual barbecue and chicken plate sale starting at 11 a.m. Friday. Plates will be available until sold out.
Volunteer Chief Scott Waters said the squad started cooking 350 pounds of Boston butt bought from Edwards IGA on Monday and plans to start cooking the chicken, donated by Purdue, on Thursday using Tommy Deese’s parboilers. Big K LP Gas is donating the propane used for the cooking.
The fundraiser, generally held the first Friday in May, features $10 plates that also include baked beans, slaw (three pans donated from Captain D’s), dinner roll and Little Debbie cake. Orders of six plates or more can be delivered.
Waters said this year’s event was pushed back a week so it wouldn’t interfere with the return of Relay for Life.
Proceeds from the sale — which is the agency’s largest fundraiser — will go toward the rescue squad’s general fund to continue operations including fuel for the vehicles and servicing current and purchasing new equipment.
In addition to what’s brought in from the annual sale, the squad receives an annual allocation from the county budget as well as a quarterly check from the United Way of Richmond County.
The squad also sells food during the Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournament, both regional and state, at the Lentz Hunter Education Complex near Ellerbe.
Waters said the squad is considering bringing back its haunted house fundraiser.
For orders or more information, call 910-895-9516.
Richmond County Rescue will be hosting an open house from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, May 16 in recognition of its 65th anniversary.
That event will include a rescue demonstration, live music and food and beverage trucks — Taco Factory, McKinnon’s BBQ and Soul, Soda Fusion and Puckered Up Lemonade.
The squad is selling T-shirts and challenge coins for $25 each to commemorate the anniversary. Shirts XXL or larger are $10 extra. See the Facebook page for more information.
On the same day, from 4-8 p.m., the Derby Volunteer Fire Department will be dishing out spaghetti for its annual fundraiser.
The $12 plates include spaghetti, a salad, bread and dessert.
Plates are available for take-out or dine-in at the department, and orders of 10 plates or more are available for delivery.
Like the rescue squad, the fire department receives an annual allotment from the county.
The department celebrated its 40th anniversary in late 2023.
For more information, call 910-417-1589.
