On Saturday, April 30, 2016, the Relief Association recognized its indispensable cadre of volunteers at a luncheon held at Engine Co. #28 on Figueroa Street. The affair was organized by Juliet Brandolino, LAFRA’s event coordinator and hosted by President Bob Steinbacher.
The 2015 volunteers were recognized for going above and beyond; some for countless hours of service, others for their extra efforts on behalf of the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. Those present included Lydia Andrews – the 2014 Volunteer of the Year who shows up every week to help out, Valerie Lawrence who is a volunteer coordinator at many events and a top Golf Ball Drop ticket seller, Rose Franco – another Golf Ball Drop ticket seller extraordinaire, Elyse Klein – a new volunteer who sold a ton of Golf Ball Drop tickets last year, Andrea Thompson who helped out with Golf 2015, along with partner in crime Jessica Felix, and perennial standouts Stina del Giudice, Jacque Gonzalez and Donna Capelouto. Also important but unable to attend were Virginia Newcomb, Anne Munsell, and Jeanne Urquiza.
Other firefighters that were present included John Keys with wife Maureen, Butch Marcione with wife Sue, Ken Krupnik with wife Elsie and Gerry and Jan Layton.
The 2016 Volunteer of the Year honor went to Emily Pizinger, the surviving daughter of Firefighter Michael Pizinger. Emily requested that her company, Bay Alarm, become a Hope for Firefighters sponsor last year. They teamed up with 29’s and won for best entre. And they have agreed to be a sponsor again this year!
The Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association is a much more effective organization through the commitment of its selfless and generous volunteers. These amazing people help make our events possible and are dedicated to helping raise money for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
We are always looking for a few good men and women to join us at our many fundraising events throughout the year, like Hope for Firefighters and the LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament. Or if you prefer to help in the office with mail-outs or basket decorating, we have a place for you too. Send an e-mail to jbrandolino@lafra.org for more information or to lend a much needed helping hand today.
Photos by Deborah Lew