Firefighter Hootenanny at Pines Resort April 15 | Sierra Star

A “Firefighter Hootenanny” to raise funds for the Wildland Fighter Foundation, will be held 5-9 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, at The Pines Resort at Bass Lake.

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation, based in Boise, Idaho, was formed to help families of injured and fallen firefighters. The vision and purpose of the foundation is: “To honor, recognize, and support wildland firefighters, past, present, and future, and to provide resources to assist fallen and injured firefighters and their families.”

Wildland Firefighters Cloverleaf Events has partnered with The Pines Resort to throw a “Firefighter Hootenanny” to raise funds as well as honor fallen, previous and current Firefighters. The Pines will sponsor the entertainment, The Mountain Men String Band out of Mariposa, as well as serve a barbecue by Chef Johnathan Frabotta.

Tickets cost $25 for adults, and $15 for children. The Pines will donate $5 per person to the foundation. There will be a raffle for those who are currently a member of WFF, with prizes including firefighting gear, tools, and specialized items. There will also be a silent auction, and a live auction for all attendees.

“When I realized that there were no fundraising events in the area for this foundation I was shocked,” said Erin Capuchino. “Many of my friends are USFS and Cal Fire firefighters, so I knew I had to do something, proposing the event to the Pines management. Our area was hit close to home and heart with wildfires last year, and we depend on more than 300 wildland firefighters who live and work in our mountain communities.

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation is:

Recognized as the organization that provides immediate financial and crisis assistance to families of fallen and injured wildland firefighters.

The organization providing recognition and honor to all wildland firefighters, past, present, and future.

Financially self-sustaining, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of its constituent supporters.

Details: Erin Capuchino, (559) 308-1767, erincapuchino@gmail.com.

- Staff report