The Rye FD’s 2029 Local union raised $60,000 for its new non-profit charity arm at the group’s Cinco de Mayo event on Saturday, May 4th at the Shenorock Shore Club. Over 160 people turned out for the event, up from 130 last year.
For the first time, the union is creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit called Rye Professional Firefighters Inc. DBA 2029 Fundraising Charity. The paperwork is expected to be completed before the May event and will be retroactive to September 2023, according to union officials. This allows donations to the group’s charity work be tax deductible.
The 2029 Fundraising Charity will raise funds to support local organizations and individuals when they need it most. There will be a rolling grant application process that locals can take part in, and a formal selection committee, made up of both firefighters and residents, to determine which causes will be funded and supported.
Organizations that have benefited from Local 2029’s donations in past years include Friends of Rye Town Park, Friends of Rye Nature Center, Soul Ryeders, the Rye Recreation Department and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Rye Professional Firefighters have also provided scholarships to graduating high school seniors, sponsored the Rye Youth Council’s Color Wars, as well as Rye little league and youth softball teams.
Union officials also announced the annual fundraiser in 2025 will be centered around the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. They also noted the group’s annual Candy Cane Run, when they bring Santa around town on a fire truck, will make a stop at Rye Town Park for the holiday tree lighting ceremony.
Enjoy these event photos:
Chelsea & Taresh Batra, Jessica & Jason Prager, Stephanie Amedeo, Edward Lamanna, Natalie & Eric Noto, Amy & Michael Heuff, Amanda & Darren Hamilton. Credit: Schuyler Johnson.)
Jennifer & Matthew Wilson, Lianne & Matthew Tidman, Joana & Michael Kotcher, Diane & Stuart Martin, Kristin & Javier Martinez. Credit: Schuyler Johnson.)
