Local Fundraiser Aims To Support Rock Volunteer Fire Department

Volunteer fire departments serve a vital role in rural communities but often do not have enough funding.

The Rock Volunteer Fire Department has been serving Osage County residents since 1977. About 33 years ago, the department started a fundraiser to help pay for its expenses. Chief Charley Pearson said, “We have to upgrade these trucks; we have to buy fuel, and we have to pay utilities for our station.”

Only $3 of each citizen's monthly water bill goes toward funding the department. Money raised on Saturday between the yard sale, car show, silent auction and dinner will take care of the rest.

"If it was not for the community supporting us, we could not keep these doors open and we know that and we respect that,” added Chief Pearson.

Amber Miller, Rita Miller, and Shelly Perdue are the organizers of the yard sale.

“My mom started it, and we are just kind of carrying on the tradition,” Amber continued, saying, “I enjoy it. It is like treasure hunting; we get to go through all the stuff first.”

People in the community hold onto the items to donate specifically for this fundraiser. Every cent goes to the Rock Volunteer Fire Department.

Without these firefighters, the next closest station is in Sand Springs 10 miles away.

“Minutes means helping people when they are having a health problem, so minutes and seconds count on something like that,” said Chief Pearson.

So, even the smallest purchases are worth every penny.

The fundraiser is on Saturday, September 7. The yard sale goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the car show is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., food will be served from 4 to 6:30 p.m., and the entertainment begins at 3 p.m.

Dinner is $15 and children 5 and under eat free.

The event will be inside the new event center at 7716 Zink Ranch Road.

Full schedule:

1. Yard Sale - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2. Car Show - 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
3. Entertainment - 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
4. Food served - 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.