Firemen’s Ball scheduled for May 25
The Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department (OFVD) will hold its annual Firemen’s Ball at the Berkley Barn on Saturday, May 25.
This fundraiser, one of the island’s biggest social events, includes BBQ dinners that can be taken home and two auctions.
This is the most important fundraising event for the OVFD, which, in large part, thanks to these balls, was able to purchase a new pumper truck last year.
The silent auction starts at 4 p.m. and the pig-pickin’ barbeque starts at 5. The live auction begins at 7 followed by live music by the Ocracoke Rockers and the Dune Dogs. (See flyer below)
The OVFD is seeking volunteers for the ball and is always on the lookout for members, including firefighters and those who can help with administrative and other duties such as building and grounds maintenance.
An all-volunteer organization, the OVFD is Ocracoke Island’s only resource for firefighting. As an island, Ocracoke must have the top equipment and all personnel ready to go as help from any other fire department is at least two hours away, which puts the island in a very vulnerable position.
The department also works closely with the Hyde County Sheriff’s Department and assists the island’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at helicopter medevacs.
Unlike other counties, Hyde County has no fire tax and so the company relies heavily on individual and business donations for operating costs.
The Ocracoke Fire Prevention Association, the administrator of the OVFD, is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit and contributions are tax deductible.
Those wishing to donate can make out a check to the Ocracoke Fire Protection Association (OFPA) and mail it to OFPA, P.O. Box 332, Ocracoke, NC 27960.
To donate online, visit http://www.ocracokevfd.org, where there is more information on the Firemen’s Ball.
