Fire Department Confirms Second Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser

For the second consecutive year, the Arbors at Ridges assisted living campus in Burnsville, will host a Cinco de Mayo-themed lunch on May 5 to benefit the Burnsville Fire Department (BFD).

All proceeds from the event will be used by the BFD to purchase additional Fire Survivor Escape Systems which allow firefighters to quickly and efficiently remove themselves and others during a structure fire.

"This is the second year our fire department has benefited from the efforts of the Arbors at Ridges," Hove said. "We truly appreciate their concern for our firefighter’s safety in directly raising funds for specific safety equipment designed for use in emergency life and safety instances." 

According to BFD assistant fire chief Dan Hove, the escape systems have proven themselves to be an intelligent investment.  

"These (systems) have resulted in decreasing the risk in situations that are immediately dangerous to our firefighter’s lives," Hove explained.   

Last year, the event raised $1030 for the BFD, which allowed it to purchase approximately one-third of its desired Fire Survivor Escape Systems.

This year's fundraiser will be held on May 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and all members of the public are invited to attend.

The only stipulation, Hove warns, is that visitors must bring their appetites and dancing shoes. 

Lunch will include tacos, chips, salsa, guacamole, ice cream and non-alcoholic pina coladas and margaritas. Local band Mariachi Mexico will also provide musical entertainment and raffle tickets will also be available for purchase. 

The cost of the lunch is $5 for adults and $2 for children.