Firefighter fundraiser

A modest crowd showed up Saturday at the Whistle Pig Saloon on Saratoga’s South Side for a fundraiser to benefit the Saratoga Volunteer Fire Department.

The event was hosted by the Whistle Pig, and culminated in an auction of items donated by local businesses and individuals. There was also a 50/50 raffle with half going to the fire department and the other half going to the winning ticket purchaser.

The auction was led by Teense Willford who encouraged—and often cajoled—bar patrons into purchasing items.

“If you want firefighters to come when your house is on fire you should buy something,” he joked.

Willford’s assistant for the auction was 2015 Miss Wyoming, Autumn Olson, a Saratoga resident.

Items auctioned included jewelry, DeWalt brand tools, toys, coolers filled with adult beverages, gift certificates to local businesses as well as sporting goods and clothing.

In total, $836.50 was raised for the Saratoga Volunteer Fire Department during the auction. An additional $130 was raised for the department by the 50/50 raffle.

According to Lary Speed, manager of the Whistle Pig Saloon, this year’s event was the third annual fundraiser the bar has held for the fire department, and he fully intends that there be a fourth next year.

“I want to have firefighters, and I want them to have the stuff they need,” he said. “It’s a great cause.