I’m so sad I won’t be going to the Fireman’s Breakfast. It’s a long-time tradition for me. I’ve been going and working at it since Kramer first started on the Fire Department. I think that was in 1997 or so. I missed 2019 when Kramer was fighting cancer but came back in 2020 after he had passed away.
There was a debate on what they would do for a benefit this year…dine-in, take out…It was a hard decision. They finally decided on both. Either way, I decided that I better not go.
In the past, I’ve been a dishwasher, worked the dining room, made eggs, poured drinks but in the last 15 years or so, I’ve moved on to be at the cash register at the door. Kramer was the treasurer of the Fire Department and at the time, it was decided that the treasurer needed to sit at the door. He asked me if I’d work the door with him and that became our job. Here we are from 2018.
Of the volunteer jobs I’ve ever done, helping the Fire Department with the fundraiser is likely my favorite job ever. The group of guys is awesome. They are just happy to have help and not supercritical. They’ve been doing the breakfast for so many years, everyone works their job and it’s great. No whining which is awesome.
In 2020, Kramer wasn’t there to work the door with me so Craig, Kalissa’s husband, who is also on the fire department, worked the door with me. I missed Kramer as we had a great system doing it together for so many years, but Craig was an awesome replacement. It was nice as he helped it not be so awkward my first time working without Kramer. No doubt, Craig is a great guy.
I make a quilt every year and donate it for the raffle. This year I’m donating my Quilted Twins Mystery quilt…This is Old World Fantasy. A free mystery quilt put together by Becky at Quilted Twins. You can find the free pattern HERE.
I’m hoping this will drive up raffle ticket sales.
My friend Connie is so sweet.  For those of you who don’t know, I met Connie through the blog. I met her in Oelwein Iowa in 2015. Kelli and I were hosting a retreat there and Connie walked up to me and said, “I’m your best friend but you don’t even know it”. That cinched it. We’ve hung out ever since…well as much as we can. We live about 2 1/2 hours apart.
Connie is one of those sweet people who just pull up a chair, plop down, and helps those introverted people like me open up. She’s been really good for me in many ways.
Connie came down for Kramer’s memorial service. She jumped right in the Fire Department guys, buzzed around, and helped make sure things were running smoothly. I couldn’t be more grateful. Through it all, Connie could see what a good bunch of guys they are and has since decided to jump on the bandwagon to help our family support the department.
So a week or two ago, Connie sent this wonderful kids quilt she made for the raffle. Isn’t it so cute?
I love it and I’m sure it will be a prized raffle item.
Check out the blocks along the side. See how she fussy cut them, then sewed them together to make these cute blocks.
The machine quilting on this is perfect…not too dense so the awesome scene still shows.
The backing is cute too. I love it.
Connie also sent me these…
They are designed to pop over little boys when changing diapers. HA!! So cute. These are not for the raffle!!
Connie is so sweet to me. I’m so glad Connie is an extrovert or I’d have likely missed out on my chance to get to know Connie. I’m terrible at putting myself out there.
Anyway…I’m missing out on working the breakfast this year…I’m actually sad about it. It is a family tradition that I have loved. If I would have had my second Covid shot, I would have masked up and worked…but alas. I’ll be there next year if I possibly can. In the meantime, I hope l that both mine and Connie’s quilts bring in lots of raffle ticket sales.
Thanks a million, Connie. Your support means so much to me, the family, and the firemen. We salute you!!
If you’re local, the breakfast is March 7th…always the first Sunday in March. Here are the details…
How much are raffle tickets, and will they mail quilt to winner if not local?
Tickets are $1 each or 5 for $6!!
It is hard to keep breakfast hot, but will your family pick up a breakfast for you. Not the same but something.
Have a good Day.
What a beautiful quilt you are donating! I like the child’s quilt too. You both do excellent work and what a great cause to give to. I am so sorry you need to miss this annual function and hope you will be able to do it next year.
I wish I lived closer, as I absolutely LOVE that quilt you made for the raffle!! Connie’s quilt is super cute, too.
So sorry you can’t go to your favorite charity breakfast. Those can be so much fun. If i had known earlier I would have bought tickets. The quilts you and Connie donated are beautiful! That should be a bigger to the fire department .
Volunteering at community events like the Fireman’s Breakfast is something I really miss about Iowa small town living. Growing up in Nora Springs, Iowa, my mother was involved in events at school, church, Legion Auxillary, and anything else the community was doing. I helped with many events too. I have loved living in Pittsburgh for the last 50 years but one thing I really miss is small town community activities where everyone knows everyone else.
Jo, I have no idea why ,but I didn’t get an email with your post today. I really love both quilts.
I’m answering your comment tomorrow in the next Ask Jo.
I know how much you’re going to miss the breakfast. You’ve talked about it for so many years. I do know they appreciate your quilt donation – and this year a kids quilt by your friend Connie. YOu’ve helped them so much – I know they will miss you too.
Love and prayers
Beautiful donations from both you and Connie for a wonderful event.
Sorry you had to miss but for good reasons!!
What a great quilt to donate, it will bring lots of joy to the winner. I know they will miss seeing you at the fundraiser as much as you will miss going. Connies quilt is super cute and what lovely border blocks.
When is the raffle? Was it today also?
YEs…The raffle and benefit go hand in hand.