The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department continues to hold fundraising initiatives for fire equipment and an improved South Station facility.
Ocean Pines South Fire Station
File photo
By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer
The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department continues to hold fundraising initiatives for fire equipment and an improved South Station facility.
The OPVFD will host its second bingo fundraiser at Ocean Downs Casino on April 18. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $35 if purchased in advance and $45 at the door, pending availability. The department’s president, Joe Enste, said that as of April 9, 30 of 216 entrance passes remained.
Enste said that the community, along with the firefighters, has made the fundraiser possible.
“The administration members of the OPVFD have been working hard for several months to secure the venue, rent the necessary equipment, and network with local businesses to sponsor the cash prizes and secure general donations,” Enste said.
In addition to monetary awards, participants will also have the chance to win silent auction raffle items.
Proceeds from the night will go toward the OPVFD’s Apparatus Replacement Fund and EMS units. The group has even more fundraisers scheduled this year to further financial support.
The Queen of Hearts raffle is on week six. Players can purchase an available spot on the electronic board for $5, and a random number generator will select a purchaser from the weekly sales list. Participants must choose the Queen of Hearts to win the prize, which is 60% of the jackpot. Ticket sales close at 4:30 p.m. each Tuesday, and the drawings are livestreamed via Facebook on the same day at 5:30 p.m.
OPVFD will once again host its vehicle drawing. Enste said that this year, they are selling 2,500 tickets for $100 each. The drawing will occur when all are bought or the last week of December, whichever comes first.
The team is partnering with Pittsville Ford/ Preston Automotive Group to raffle off a 2024 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 4×4 SuperCrew STX. As of 2024, OPVFD will “cover all expenses associated with winning the vehicle,” including taxes and fees, Enste said.
Additionally, the department is scheduled to attend Ocean Pine’ Season Kickoff Expo on April 20 and will bring a fire truck for the community to explore. They will also be selling raffle tickets and recruiting new members.
The department is in the process of securing funding for an updated South Station. The president said they had received a few grants and bonds for the project, thanks to support from Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) and Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C). Residents are welcome to donate directly to the OPVFD as well. Values of $1000, $5000, and anything from $10000 and up will be recognized on plaques in the finalized facility.
“We have an amazing community that we serve and are so very thankful for the support we receive,” Enste said. “Whether it is donations to our annual fund drive, participation in our raffles, or simply dropping off treats to the department, we are lucky to serve in such a giving community.”