Campbellsport Fire Auxiliary Held Their Annual Soup Sampler Fundraiser

On Saturday, Nov. 11, the Campbellsport Fire Auxiliary hosted their annual Soup Sampler fundraiser, their biggest of the year, at the Campbellsport Fire Department. People could have all you can eat soup for just $12 as well as a drink and dessert with additional drinks and desserts available for purchase.

The Soup Sampler was put on by co-hosts Marianne Jarmuz, president of the Auxiliary, and Cheryl Miller, secretary. This is the second time running the sampler for both of them, but the soup sampler has been going on for over a decade.

When Jarmuz became president of the auxiliary, she felt like people didn’t understand what the auxiliary was for. “People just assumed we were just a branch of the fire department when we’re not.” Jarmuz felt that because people assumed they were the same as the fire department, and not a separate group that works together with the fire department, that it created some rifts in the past. “One of the goals I had was to create a much better working relationship with the fire department. I want people to understand that we are able to do a lot for the community because of the fire department…the more we work to build this bridge, the more it pays off.”

Jarmuz and Miller both stated that the soup sampler wouldn’t have been able to be put on without the help of the fire department and the firefighters. The fire department helped set up the event, and there were at least a dozen firefighters helping serve soup.

The soup sampler is put on every year on the first Saturday in November, with last year being the only exception due to some changes in board positions. The soups and deserts are all donated by people and businesses in the community. This year, they had at least 24 soups donated and many different varieties. They also had vendors, raffle baskets, a kids corner and two rounds of 50/50 raffles. The raffle baskets included many different items, including kids toys, home appliances and decor, candy, gift cards, lottery tickets and much more. There was even live music.

The proceeds from this event go into their Displacement Fund, which helps them support the community in numerous ways. This fund is used to help families in the community when they lose their home in a fire. On the night of the fire, the auxiliary is able to give the family a sum of cash to help with basic expenses and provide them with other resources. They do this by working with the Red Cross. Unlike the Red Cross who aren’t able to get there right away, the auxiliary is on the scene of the fire to assist with both the families and the firefighters. They also provide hot food and water for the firefighters during calls.

The Campbellsport Fire Auxiliary also helps the community in other ways. They often donate money to other organizations, such as the Lions Club, fire department and scholarships. They also help by buying Christmas gifts for family on the Angel Tree Program, as well as pays for Santa during the St. Matthew spaghetti dinner.

The Campbellsport Fire Auxiliary is able to do a lot for the community, and it is all thanks to those who support them at events like the soup sampler.