The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) donated the proceeds of their annual silent auction event to the Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighter Association (SCVFA) the morning of January 13.

The silent auction, which amassed $4,300, was held at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in December as a part of the SCVA’s annual holiday party. The items that were auctioned off were donated by SCVA members.

At the SCVA Main Office in Liberty, the check was presented to SCVFA President Terrence Mullen and Sullivan County Fire Coordinator John Hauschild by SCVA President/CEO Roberta Byron-Lockwood and SCVA Chairman and CEO of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Eric Frances.

Byron-Lockwood and Frances both expressed their gratitude to the all of the Sullivan County volunteer firefighters who serve their communities.

“We are so pleased to offer them this donation from our silent auction this year,” said Byron-Lockwood. “These volunteers do so much for our community, and our hospitality industry could not exist without them. We know we are in safe hands and have so much to thank our volunteer firefighters for.”

Frances shared the grateful sentiment, saying “the Sullivan firefighters selflessly donate their time and talents, while often risking their lives to protect our communities and businesses.” 

“We could never thank them enough for their service, but we hope this contribution helps make a difference in their work,” Frances said.  

Hauschild noted that the donation will go towards firefighter recruitment and retention, as well as the continuation of fire safety educational programs.

“The fire service of Sullivan County is very grateful to the Visitors Association for this generous and unexpected fundraising effort,” said Hauschild.