Over the past 36 years, the San Diego City Firefighters have donated thousands of dollars and volunteer hours to United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego. 2019 marks the 35th consecutive year that the city’s firefighters have served as the major sponsor and underwriter of the annual “Fire Fighters and Friends Celebrity Waiters Luncheon” for UCP.
The event draws a host of local and Hollywood celebrities — such as Robert Hays from “Airplane!” — to serve as waiters and waitresses for some 350 participants. Attendees will have a chance at some live, silent, and raffle items at the luncheon. Last year the event raised close to $57,000 for UCP and committee members are hoping to match or exceed that amount this year. Funds raised will support UCP services provided to people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, including parent/sibling support groups, and training and counseling programs.
The San Diego City Firefighters also participate in countless volunteer hours to the agency as well. Since 1980, the firefighters’ efforts have resulted in over $2,000,000 for UCP.
The Firefighter Community Responsibility Fund, established in 1973 by Local 145, has enabled San Diego City Firefighters to generate substantial monetary contributions for charitable organizations. Countless hours of volunteer time are spent annually with other charities, schools, and civic organizations as well.
Other sponsors for the event include Location Edit, Berkshire Hathaway HomeState Companies, Sunny 98.1, and the San Diego Community Newspaper Group.
The United Cerebral Palsy Association of San Diego County was founded in 1958. It is among the largest non-profit organizations in the country with 75 affiliates nationwide providing programs and services to children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Eighty-six percent of every dollar raised goes right back into our local community.
Tickets start at $80 per person and reservations can be made by calling the UCP office at 858-571-5365 (ex: 112) or the UCP website at ucpsd.org. The luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 20 at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa.
