Lollypops Raised Badly Needed Funds for Rescue Squad
• Townspeople Turn Out for Benefit Held at Ruth Bedford's Home
 |
Enlarge This Photo | Photo by NJHometown |
The benefit was made possible by the generosity of Mrs. Ruth Bedford (center) who is surrounded here by Public Affairs Commissioner Steve Rogers, the squad's Vice President John Saar, long-time volunteers Joanne Paulson and Jim Paulson, and Richard Budris, the president of the Nutley Volunteer Emergency and Rescue Squad.
|
Enlarge This Photo | Photo by NJHometown |
Pictured are Nutley Board of Education trustee Lisa Danchak-Martin, Squad President Richard Budris and Vice President John Saar, Mrs. Ruth Bedford and Cheryl Kozyra.
Jul 13, 2012 – Nutley's annual "Lollypop Party," for the first time in its long history, this summer benefited the town's Emergency and Rescue Squad, a volunteer 24-hour service that has served the community since 1953.
Mrs. Ruth Bedford, whose home on Highfield Lane accommodates several community fundraisers throughout the year, took the initiative to suggest and invite the Nutley Volunteer Emergency & Rescue Squad to utilize her spacious grounds for the fundraiser.
The 48 volunteers who provide the 24-hour emergency service seven days a week were joined on Saturday, June 30, by more than 200 townspeople and friends. Lollypops were purchased and in most cases, the candies could be swapped for a donation for a refreshing drink instead.
Rich Budris, a volunteer who heads the Emergency Rescue Squad as its president, joined the volunteers in a brief program to highlight the continuing urgency of fundraising. Mrs. Bedford said she hoped the "Lollypop Party" will continue as an annual benefit for the volunteers.
Beside Budris, the squad's leaders include John Saar, vice president; Chuck Ennis, secretary; James Mazza, treasurer; Pete Realmuto, trustee, and Mike Rossi as the overall EMS coordinator.
James and Joanne Paulson, the most senior and longest serving of the volunteers, were given special recognition at the afternoon event. Mr. and Mrs. Paulson were the 2011 recipients of Nutley's Dr. Mattia Award presented annually in recognition of their many years of volunteer community service.
Corrections and additions to this article are encouraged and may be sent to news@njhometown.com
