Cranford Jaycees Donate Oktoberfest Proceeds
Submitted by Kent Lucas
As with all other large gatherings in this year of the COVID pandemic, the Jaycees Oktoberfest, which always sells out more than 1,000 tickets, was not able to be held in person this year. But this did not stop the Cranford Jaycees and their creative members. They took the event virtual, selling and delivering kits of food, drinks and mugs and were still able to have another successful Oktoberfest.
This donation of the proceeds of the annual Jaycees Oktoberfest is a significant percentage of the Cranford First Aid Squad’s yearly budget, said CFAS Treasurer David Heller. The squad has spent an additional $21,000 for personal protective equipment due to Covid-19.
“This donation has allowed the Cranford First Aid Squad to continue to operate throughout the pandemic” said Heller. “Thanks to the generosity of the Jaycees, we have been able to focus on patient care without having to worry as much about fundraising. We could not fulfill our mission without the help of the people of Cranford and an organization like the Jaycees.”
The donation was used to purchase an ultraviolet light for decontamination of the ambulances. It also allowed the squad to purchase 2 hospital-grade automatic blood pressure machines and pulse oximeters for the ambulances. Pulse oximetry is an extremely important vital sign for COVID patients.
The Cranford First Aid Squad provides 9-1-1 emergency medical services to the township from 6:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. weeknights and all weekend. They take 1,200 calls per year and provide this service at no charge.
The Cranford Jaycees combine networking, community activity, individual development, and training while making friends for life. The Cranford Jaycees hold many events to raise funds that go toward the Jaycees Scholarship Fund.
