Firehouse Self Storage in Loveland, CO, Hosts Fundraiser for Larimer County Search and Rescue

Firehouse Self Storage in Loveland, Colo., is co-hosting a fundraiser on June 17 that will benefit Larimer County Search and Rescue (LCSAR), a nonprofit comprised of volunteers and funded through community donations. The “Hanging With The Heroes” benefit and auction, 6-10 p.m., will be held at the First National Bank in The Ranch Events Complex at 5290 Arena Circle. The goal is to raise two full years' worth of funding for the agency, according to the source.

Event tickets are $100, which will include live music, refreshments and appearances by players from the Colorado Eagles ice-hockey team. The benefit will also feature a silent and live auction. Attendees can bid on items such as skydiving tickets, products from local companies and art by community artists. Skyline Moving Co. is a co-sponsor

Six people are scheduled to give speeches on how LCSAR volunteers saved their lives. "I think we can really introduce the community to search and rescue, and to really see these heroes who are saving people's lives every day, even when we don't know it," said Barbi Burton, the event coordinator who owns Firehouse Self Storage with her husband, Chris. "We want this event to be a 'thank you' to them as well as bring more attention to how they are underfunded for how much amazing work they do.”

The Burtons became involved in LCSAR several years ago when they decided to rebrand their storage facility. The couple discovered the organization was in need of funds, so they chose a firehouse theme to raise awareness as well as honor fire and rescue personnel. In addition to outfitting the property with firefighter memorabilia, including nine vintage fire trucks, the couple donates a percentage from every storage rental to LCSAR. They also offer rental discounts to firefighters, military personnel and police officers.

"We want to make sure we are always remembering the heroes that have done so much for our country and Colorado," Barbi Burton said. "We think it is so important as a family-owned business to always give back to the community, and we want to show that we really stand for something.”

LCSAR receives no federal funding for the equipment needed for rescues. The agency relies on donations, and volunteers often pay for their own equipment, which can cost nearly $3,000, according to member Amy Cho.

"We do not charge for our services, and we understand that people think they will have to pay for us come out and save them," Cho said. "We want folks to know that we are a free resource, and that we rather be called and not needed than have someone try to self-rescue.”

Barbi Burton hopes the fundraiser will become a bi-annual event and spur community members to support LCSAR and other first responders. "Our office motto is taking the ordinary to extraordinary, and that's why we want to put on the party of a century," she said.

The Burtons are building a second Firehouse facility in Longmont, Colo. It will resemble a 1900s firehouse and carry the theme throughout.