Jeanne Terwilliger

On Sunday, March 29th, 9 teams of Firefighters, law enforcement officers, elite runners, and athletes from around the Central Valley started at the Chukchansi Ballpark to take part in the 2026 Fresno Urban Run, which finished with the 10-story climb of the historic Grand Hotel in downtown Fresno. Since January, Fresno City College Fire Academy Class 65 and College of the Sequoias Fire Academy Class 21-45 have been raising funds alongside AARBF volunteer Pointdexter, totaling over $20,459 for AARBF and Champ Camp. 

Thank you to the dedicated cadets, Scott “Pointdexter” Mellon, the race team sponsor Johansons Transportation Services, and the California Classic Events team for hosting this annual run.

AARBF once again joined the California Fire Symposium held annually in Fresno, CA, for their Cornhole tournament. AARBF’s Katrina and Erika were joined by volunteers Hydra and Chop Suey to promote essential partnerships between fire departments across the state and AARBF. Our teamwork brings together firefighters and volunteers in support of our prevention education and burn survivors in their communities. We thank the California Training Officers Association for their work in putting together the raffle and cornhole tournament and for supporting the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation with a donation of $16,426. 

AARBF’s Board President, Dave Miller, joined the San Luis Obispo chapter of the King David’s Masonic Lodge for an evening event on March 17th. The masons donated $2,500 in support of AARBF’s mission to support burn survivors and their families and to provide burn prevention education. We are honored to partner with the Lodge. 

We loved spending time with the Alameda County Firefighters on Saturday, March 14th, when they hosted an amazing St. Patrick’s Day Pancake Breakfast. The morning included enjoying delicious green pancakes and raising awareness (and funds) for fire safety and prevention.

After Breakfast, Station 16 happened to be right along the path of the Dublin CA’s 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Parade so attendees could continue to enjoy all of the festivities. Such a fun community event and we’re so grateful folks had an opportunity to get outside, wear something green, enjoy spending time with family, and most importantly, eat pancakes.

Thank you to Alco Fire, for your generous donation of over $3,400 from your annual pancake breakfast!

On March 7, 2026, the Torrance Firefighter Association proudly hosted the 52nd Annual Spaghetti Dinner alongside the Bake Sale by the Torrance Firefighter Women’s Foundation — and the community showed up in the biggest way.

Together, they served about 800 meals and celebrated the spirit of giving that makes Torrance Firefighter Association so special. Thanks to the generosity and support of everyone who attended, the Firefighter Association was able to donate $14,000 to support our amazing Champ Camp.

A huge thank you to our volunteers, our firefighters, our Women’s Foundation, and every community member who joined us.  Your support truly makes a difference.

And an extra-special thank you to Scott Diekmann, who dedicated 28 years to organizing this beloved event. His commitment is deeply meaningful to the burn community, and his heart shaped this tradition in the most impactful way.

On Friday, February 13th, AARBF’s Associate Director, Katrina Arthur, was honored to attend the 91st Members Dinner hosted by the Central Valley Firefighters Credit Union. CVFireCU is a proud sponsor of AARBF, supporting the Central Valley Burn Relay, Chili Cook-off, and Dinner & Dance. At this year’s Members Dinner, the generosity of the Central Valley shone brightly, raising $3,285 from the silent auction and member donations in support of our 41st Champ Camp in June. However, the giving continued and as of today, the total has reached $4,035.

AARBF is grateful for the generosity of the CVFireCU staff, board, and membership. Your continued support makes an impact for burn survivors across the valley and state.