ANDERSON, Texas (KRHD) — Fundraising efforts are underway next weekend to help Anderson VFD purchase needed equipment.
- Anderson VFD is a non-profit organization, partially funded by Grimes County.
- Money from the county is for operating expenses only, officials said and equipment purchases must be made through fundraising.
- With the barbecue cook-off, they want to purchase breathing apparatuses for firefighters.
- The event will be Friday and Saturday, August 8 and 9, 2025.
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Broadcast Transcript
Robert Weeks, the chief of fire suppression for Anderson Volunteer Fire Department told 15 ABC "We all sort of have a fixed, you know, pot of money or a fund that comes from the county. that is designated use which means we have to take that funding and use it for things like operational expenses."
This year, they received $59,000 from Grimes County, with almost half going to insurance costs. Weeks said there are many other needs.
"We also have to fund all of the equipment, all of the tools, all of the, you know, technology, the radios — the pagers for the members — the gear for the members, so fire gear and, you know, breathing apparatus, those sorts of expenses that are more capital expenses don't come from the county money."
To make ends meet, the department turns to fundraisers. Next Friday and Saturday they expect to see the largest fundraiser — a barbecue cook-off. Samantha Kimich, the fundraising coordinator for the department, believes it may be the best turnout yet.
"We're expecting close to 50 teams, which that's the most we've ever had."
Weeks said this event is important as they need the community's help to continue their vital services.
"Generally, we have to show up with the people, the trucks, the equipment, you know, the gear, the firefighting gear, and all of the water that we're gonna need to put the fire out."
Kimich said they are still accepting cook-off teams for the event, to find out more click here
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