PLAYING IT FORWARD
DaVinci’s Pub hosting golf outing to benefit firefighters
The fire that threatened to destroy the 167-yearold home of DaVinci’s Pub in Collegeville was extinguished, but what impressed operations director David Finch most was the professionalism demonstrated by volunteer firefighters who responded to the near-catastrophe.
“I am so happy for the quick response of the firefighters and grateful that they made sure that nothing more serious occurred in the restaurant,” said Finch.
Staff members of the restaurant were in the midst of clearing away dishes and cleaning tables from the lunch crowd when the acrid odor of smoke wafted through the dining room one day in the summer of 2016. A staff member looked out a window and saw a mulch fire erupting at the base of the restaurant’s front porch and spreading to an upright post leading to the second floor. A 9-1-1 call summoned firefighters from Collegeville Fire Co. No. 1, Trappe Fire Co., No. 1 and Lower Prov- idence Township Volunteer Fire Co. In the meantime, staff members grabbed cans of water to douse the fire. Although the blaze was quickly extinguished, firefighters -- well aware of the structure’s age -- took extra precautions to ensure there was no fire extension to other parts of the building. Thanks in large part to the firefighters’ rapid response, the restaurant was closed for only two hours and re-opened for dinner that evening.
Finch, a former firefighter with the Cherry Hill (NJ) Fire Department, knows that volunteer fire companies are always strapped for funds and rely heavily on the community for financial support. Recently, he learned that the Collegeville Fire Co. had launched a capital campaign to finance a new fire station to replace the existing 59-year-old building on 5th Avenue.
In appreciation of the effort made by Collegeville FC and neighboring fire companies in fighting last year‘s fire, DaVinci’s Pub is contributing to the drive by hosting its first annual golf outing this Monday, Sept. 11,
The eventwill takeplace on the greens of Turtle Creek Golf Club in Limerick Township. “I was looking at the calendar for an appro-
priate date to host the event and thought “wouldn’t it be good to have it on 9-11 day?” recalled Finch. “It’s a day to praise, support and honor firefighters who routinely risk their lives to save you and your property.”
The golf event will start at noon with a lunch at Turtle Creek and will conclude around 4 p.m. After participants have played the 18hole round, they will return to DaVinci’s for a din--
ner buffet. During dinner, prizes will be awarded in various golfing categories and to winners of a 50-50 and raffle drawing. Proceeds from sponsorship holes, entrance fees, the 50-50 and raffles drawings will be donated to the Collegeville FC. Participation in the event will cost $90, which includes lunch, cart and green fees and the buffet dinner.
For information or to sign up for the event, contact David Finch or Graham Crouse at 610-8311955 or Email davincispub@gmail.com