• BJ LEWIS - Victoria Advocate
• Originally published May 18, 2008 at 11:37 p.m., updated May 18, 2008 at 11:37 p.m.

Community members munched on barbecue and purchased auction items Sunday in support of the Long Tree Volunteer Fire Department. The annual event was held at the Da Costa Sons of Herman Hall in Da Costa.

The event helps raise funds to operate for the upcoming year, Chief Richard Garcia said.

Last year’s turnout for the event was around 300. This year about 150 people had arrived minutes after the lunch plates were being served. On the dance floor in the center of the hall, numerous items to be auctioned were on display. Up for purchasing were comforter sets, quilts, lamps, lawn decorations, gift cards and more.

“We use the money to buy equipment, pay insurance on our trucks, buildings and on our members,” Garcia said.

The department has 13 active members and 120 inactive members.

Michael John has not been active for five years, but he makes it a point to come every year.

“It’s very critical that we have these events so we can get the money to do this,” the 57-year-old said. “It’s a great idea, and the community comes out and really participates.”

The auction items were donated by stores in town, from the members of the community and the fire department, he said.

During the event, children ran around the hall, some tossing beanbags back and forth with each other as members of the fire department helped prepare beverages and chatted with the community members.

Tony Janis attended with members of his family for the second year in a row.

He planned to eat a little and purchase some items from the auction.

He wanted to do his part because the auction “is how most of their money is generated.”

The fire department has been fortunate the last few years, Garcia said. They made $8,000 from last year’s fundraiser.

The fundraising and the work the fire department does every day are worth it, he said.

“It makes you feel good when you respond to a call and you can assist,” Garcia said. “We all do it because we like it and we try to help out the community.”

Bj Lewis is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact him at 361-580-6535.

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