Sentinel staff report–
This month’s annual “Fill the Boot for Burns” fundraiser at Sunrise Boulevard and Greenback Lane raised an all-time record of $184,861 over the course of four days, according to the Firefighters Burn Institute.
The nonprofit institute posted a photo on social media of two firefighters holding a poster announcing the grand total raised following the conclusion of the fundraiser, which was held from Feb. 6-9.
“Thank you to everyone who helped make the 26th Annual ‘Fill the Boot for Burns’ Boot Drive so successful,” the institute said in a social media post accompanying the photo. “We can’t wait to put this money to use, sending Burn Survivors to camp, sending Doctors & Nurses to get the latest and greatest training, advancing Burn Care for all, and taking care of our Firefighters who take care of us.”
Last year’s local fundraiser topped $170,000, with more than $500,000 raised together with other similar fundraisers for the burn institute. This year’s combined total has not yet been announced, as fundraisers are still continuing at other locations.
Donations to the annual drive help fund recovery programs for burn survivors, including a Firefighters Kids Camp for young burn survivors and a Little Heroes Preschool Burn Camp, according to the Institute’s website.
The burn institute was founded by firefighters in 1973 after a Sacramento plane crash killed 22 people and burned many others. The organization also gave $2 million toward the new UC Davis Firefighters Burn Institute Regional Burn Center, which was named in recognition of the Institute’s contributions.
