Firefighters Jeff Roach, Randy Hitch, Rick Ryckeley and Ken Moon were happy to award the Fayette Youth Protection Homes’ Valentine Dance prize to the Hoffman family: Claire, Laura Ethan (in the window), Emma and Eric Hoffman.
May 5, 2004 Fayetteville, Georgia – Friday night, winners Eric and Laura Hoffman, along with their three children Ethan, Emma and Claire, collected their prize from the Fayette Youth Protection Homes’ Valentine Dance: dinner at Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ Station Number Three...Full Story
The Hoffmans joined the firefighters for an evening of spaghetti with all the trimmings, rides on both the pumper fire truck and ambulance, a tour of the fire station, and a good time getting to know the firefighters at the fire station. “It was the best thing we’ve ever done as a family,” said Laura Hoffman. “It was nice that my kids got to meet real heroes, and it’s amazing what [the firefighters] do in the community in terms of education." While the younger Hoffmans played on the fire equipment and learned about everything on the trucks, the parents found out useful tips for safety in the home. “I’m going back for them to check my car child safety seats and make sure I know how to put them in properly,” said Laura Hoffman.
The family won the special evening in a silent auction at the Fayette Youth Protection Homes’ Valentine Dinner Dance February 14. “We were thrilled to win this dinner,” said Laura Hoffman. “It was a big hit at the auction; we kept bidding and bidding.” The $150-per-couple, formal, Valentine dance included a reception, dinner, a comedian, dancing to a live band and a silent auction, and raised more than $18,000 for Fayette Youth Protection Homes, Inc.
The silent auction prize dinner was donated by the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Service. “The Department is very proud to support the Fayette Youth Protection Homes and its effort to help abused and neglected children in our community,” said Jack Krakeel, Director of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
“When we asked the fire department to donate a dinner, they jumped right on it; there was no arm twisting,” said Ross Berry, President of Fayette Youth Protection Homes, Inc. “These guys are heroes every day in the work they do, but allowing us to raise money through them for children in need is truly humbling.”
We knew it would be a great evening for someone and are grateful the firefighters showed the Hoffmans such a good time,” said Berry.
Fayette Youth Protection Homes, Inc. is comprised of the two houses known as the Friday and Johnson Homes, which were established in 1986 to provide a loving home environment for children who are victims of abuse or neglect. For more information about the Fayette Youth Protection Homes, Inc. please contact the executive offices at 770-461-7020.