Chili day fundraiser to support NFD set for Friday at church

Silent auction, bake sale also planned

The Newcastle Fire Department is making plans to host its chili day on Friday.

Due to the pandemic, the department has been unable to host its largest fundraiser for the past two years, but are looking forward to it returning this year.

Firemen and other volunteers with the agency are encouraging everyone to purchase tickets and make plans to attend chili day in the fellowship hall at First Baptist Church on Rosser Street on Friday, Feb. 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. A silent auction will also be held.

This year’s chili day is an important one for the department, according to Kendall Pettus.

"We are not incorporated with any city so we don't get tax money, per se,” said Pettus. "This is one of our sole ways of raising money and we've had to cut it out the past two years because of Covid."

Pettus said it will be the department's 14th year to host the fundraiser and silent auction.

Funds generated through the event help the department budget for anything from firefighting equipment, truck maintenance, building electricity and more.

"Just everything pretty much. It's a big part of our annual budget," said Pettus. "If we take on a new firefighter who needs to be equipped, you are looking at upwards from $1,000 to $1,200 just to get that firefighter clothed."

Pettus said equipment usually has to be measured specifically for the firefighter who will be using it.

"It's not often we get to pass stuff down. Some stuff we can, but not often," said Pettus. "It takes a lot of money to fight fires.”

According to Pettus, the department responds to a lot of mutual aid calls with other agencies including the Colt, Caldwell and Forrest City Fire Departments.

Tickets, which are $8 in advance and $9 at the door, are good for a bowl of chili, crackers, corn chips, cheese, two cookies and a drink.

"We will have a drive-through option for those who purchase tickets in advance," said Pettus. “The drive-through is new this year. Those using the drivethrough service will pull up north of the fellowship hall on Lamar Avenue.”

Delivery is another option for businesses that purchase eight or more tickets, according to Pettus.

"If you dine in you can have seconds or thirds for free," said Pettus.

Those who choose the dine-in option may also participate in a bake sale and silent auction.

"We will have our silent auction and bake sale and we normally do really well with those," said Pettus. "It's always

(Continued from Page 1) stuff from local businesses and places. It's a variety of things.”

Firefighter Chris Morris said some of the big items this year include oil changes, sunglasses and more from businesses in Forrest City and Wynne.

"A big one is from Graham Family Dentistry. She's giving a gift certificate for an exam, Xrays, cleaning and bleaching trays," said Morris. "There is a local artist named Cecelia Putter who's put in some amazing things too.”

Other items include gift cards and gift baskets.

"We just encourage everyone to come out and support us," added Pettus.

Pettus also said volunteers are needed for the Newcastle Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

"We need more volunteers," said Pettus. "They can contact Lisa Pettus if they are interested. They are the backbone of our organization. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn't have a fire department."

To purchase tickets in advance, contact Pettus at 870317-4835 or at White Motor Company at 870-633-1000.

Those wanting to donate to the silent auction should call Morris at 870-307-9999.