As inflation continues to take its toll, a culinary competition pays-off for some local heroes in Monroe County. News13’s Nicole Walters shares why the annual fundraiser means so much to the volunteers.
"We present you with the Wing-off proceeds from 2024. We raised $5,000 this year."
It’s the most money Sarah Street Grill in Stroudsburg has ever raised with their Wing-Off.
Sarah Street Grill Owner Christy Connolly says, "All the bars and restaurants around here, we try to be friendly neighbors, we have each other’s backs so it’s just a day for us to get together and have a good time."
Now in its eighth year, the bar and restaurant holds the "Five-Alarm" friendly competition each June as a good time that also gives back.
Connolly says, "The idea was to choose different fire departments in the area but once we started working with Blue Ridge, they were just so supportive. I mean they’re here at nine in the morning with us, moving tables and setting up tents and they bring the fire trucks and they’re just a fun team to work with. So once we had our first year, we’re just going to stick with this."
Blue Ridge Hook and Ladder Fire Company looks forward to the annual fundraiser, especially now as there seems to be no end in sight to inflation.
Blue Ridge Hook and Ladder Fire Chief Leon Clapper says. "What used to be $500,000 is $800,000 now so every volunteer fire company, I don’t care where they’re at, is in a crunch. It doesn’t matter here in Monroe County or somewhere down in Virginia, we all feel the fact of the new economics."
The fire company is putting the money towards refurbishing their rescue engine truck, which will also help the volunteers save money during these difficult times.
Blue Ridge Hook and Ladder Fire Captain Tyler Bartron says, "Above the wheel well we have some additional bubbling and corrosion, and if we don’t address this sooner than later, this can turn into something more major."
Bartron shows us around the truck what needs to be fixed, including some mechanical issues and necessary upgrades.
Bartron says, "It’s a hard use truck, it’s one of our first due units to usually every call and it’s time to put a little TLC back into it."
Not only will it help keep down their costs but they’re also thinking about their fellow taxpayers as they’re trying to stay afloat.
Bartron says, "If we just put a little more money into what we already own, that’s bought and paid for, we can get more return on our dollar and better serve the community with what we have."
We’re told supporting your local firehouse doesn’t mean you have to gear up, giving money or your time for fundraisers means just as much in Monroe County.