Fire department funding station through membership

By Jason Dunovant | jason.dunovant@smithmountainlaker.com | 721-4675 (ext. 407) Sep 25, 2017

The Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department has kicked off a new fundraising campaign that will pay for a new firehouse with construction expected to begin in the next few months.

The department is offering memberships into its 365 Club. Tom Lovegrove, department president, said the membership is exclusive to 200 people and will cost $365 per year.

“This will be a very exclusive club,” Lovegrove said.

Members will get a numbered decal to place on their vehicles. Lovegrove said members also will be entered in a drawing where they could win an invitation to the department’s annual Christmas dinner.

The $365 annual fee from 200 members will total $73,000 for the department. Lovegrove said funds will pay the mortgage on the new firehouse, which will be located next to the Oak Grove Boat Access Facility off Virginia 666.

The 365 Club, Lovegrove said, will allow the department to continue other fundraising efforts to keep the department operating.

“Our goal is to get this firehouse paid for,” Lovegrove said.

Membership to the club is good for one year. Anyone not able to become a member this year can apply again next year, Lovegrove said.

Currently, 60 percent of the department’s annual budget comes from community donations, with the remaining amount provided by Franklin, Bedford and Pittsylvania counties. It would be difficult to pay for the new complex without the help of the community participating in the 365 Club, Lovegrove said.

Work is expected to begin on the firehouse in the next few months with the department putting out construction bids now. “Work could begin as early as this year or early next year,” Lovegrove said.

More information on the 365 Club and how to join can be found at www.smlmfr.com.