Gordon Chevrolet threw a party and raised $800 for the Garden City Fire Department.

The auto dealer on Ford Road asked customers to Be a Hero, Support our Heroes Cruise for a Cause, Aug. 25. Those who answered the call were treated to hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, apple pie and other sweets, as well as face painting and an up close look at a fire truck.

Gordon donated $500 and customers threw in $300 were put into a special donations account to pay for GCFD fire station improvements.

“The Chevrolet local dealerships in the area got together and decided to have a cruise for a cause,” explained Sheri Barber, Gordon Chevrolet customer relations spokesperson. The department works throughout the year with civic organizations and businesses, like Gordon, that host programs to raise money for Garden City, explained Fire Chief Cathy Harman.

“The city budget can only stretch so far in making repairs and much needed purchases for all our departments,” Harman said. “So, this kind of community support really helps us in our efforts to reduce costs and make improvements. I am so very grateful to the businesses and organizations that put on the fundraisers, and the public that support their events.”

Grants help budget

The fire department also depends on Community Development Block Grant funds, an annual federal stipend, as well as other grants to buy the things they otherwise would have to do without. Replacing the station’s bay doors was top on the list.

“The current doors were old when I was hired 24 years ago,” Harman said adding that the new doors will be more energy efficient. Some of the money raised by the Gordon Chevrolet event will likely go toward painting the doors.

Harman and other Garden City firefighters have captured a growing list of grants that fill big and small station needs. Together they’ve added up to millions of dollars saved for the department.

“Our grant writing efforts have brought in over $2 million dollars for the fire department,” she said. “A new fire engine, personnel, thermal imaging camera, video laryngoscope blades, radios, and the list goes on. Some of these grants require a match. Usually pennies on the dollar.”

dandreassi@hometownlife.com | 734-432-5874 | Twitter: @HeraldReporter

Fire Chief Cathy Harman accepts a check from Gordon Chevrolet sales manager Mike Meszaros as Sparky and firefighter Mike Storms look on.