You may have seen some glamorous event photos floating around social media recently. If so, chances are they are from the recent You Have My Heart Gala. The annual event is the signature fundraiser for the non-profit First Responder Support. Each year, guests enjoy a heartfelt celebration complete with a delicious dinner, signature drinks, and live and silent auctions. The most powerful part of the evening is always hearing powerful, personal stories from local first responders.
We recently spoke with Rick Rowden, the FRS Executive Director, and Ashley Minor, owner of Delight Events, who plans the yearly event. We wanted to learn more about what’s behind those party pictures and how they play a crucial role in supporting those who support us.
Q: What is First Responders Support and when did it get started?
A: Rowden: It’s a non-profit that raises money to directly support first responders in Boone County. Firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and dispatch workers all fall under our umbrella. We’ve been working in Boone County for the past three years.
Q: What kind of support does FRS provide?
A: Rowden: Our support falls into three basic categories: promote resilience, provide support and relief in times of crisis, and raise awareness. We offer $2500 scholarships to first responders for additional mental health care. What they see every day is unimaginable. How can we expect them to care for us if they don't care for themselves?
Q: What does community education support look like?
A: Rowden: We’ve done some incredible things in that area. Two years ago we started a program called Shop With a Hero. We provided 12 families each with a Wal-Mart gift card just before Christmas. Each family went to that Wal-Mart, shopped with a law enforcement officer, and spent their gift card. The families come from areas where they might not have the most positive relationship with law enforcement. This gives them a chance to interact with these families in a fun, personal way. The best part? Thanks to those who support FRS, last year we gave more than 30 families those gift cards and the opportunity to Shop With a Hero.
Q. That’s impressive growth in a very short period of time–quite an achievement!
A: Minor: As someone who works alongside FRS, one of the things they do exceptionally well is gain the trust and support of first responders in essential leadership roles. There’s a level of trust they are able to build with the different agency leaders that is vital. When a first responder needs support, their leaders are the first to point them to the FRS resources.
A: Rowden: We’re so thankful for their support. First responders tend to put up a lot of walls because of the kinds of things they experience. The trust we build with their leaders makes a big difference. I know of one first responder who came upon a horrific car accident. As he approached, he could see an arm sticking out the window of the totaled car. He had no idea who the victim was or how bad the injuries were. As he worked to free the victim, he quickly discovered the victim was one of his dear friends and, tragically, did not survive. Those are the kinds of scenarios our first responders face every work day.
If you’re interested in getting involved, visit https://firstrespondersupport.net/, or scan the QR code below.