By Laura Bailey
The Bristol Fire Department is set to host its inaugural Fightin’ For A Cure Fundraiser this Friday to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer screening and treatment.
For over a decade, members of the IAFF Local 773 Bristol Firefighters have sold pink T-shirts at the Bristol Farmers Market each October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. This year, Bristol Firefighter Seth Zepka sought to expand the department’s fundraising efforts beyond T-shirt sales.
“We wanted to do something different this year, something that would bring the community together,” Zepka said. “We thought a collaboration with The New Cambridge Project would be great.”
Zepka, who has spearheaded the department’s breast cancer fundraising initiatives for the past four years, partnered with the brewery to create a special release beer specifically for the fundraiser.
“We had a blast working with the firefighters to brew beer for a cause,” said Spencer Shankle, co-owner of The New Cambridge Project. “We all talked about what kind of beer they wanted and decided on something effervescent and fruity; something anyone can enjoy. We’d love to raise $2,500 for the cause.”
Bristol Firefighters and The New Cambridge Project owners brew a special release beer for the upcoming Fightin’ For A Cure fundraiser. | Photos courtesy of Seth Zepka
For $20 at the door, guests will receive a Bristol Fire Department coozie and a pour of the special brew. Additionally, pink and navy short-sleeve T-shirts featuring the new design for 2024 will be available for purchase for $30. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Beekley Center for Breast Health & Wellness.
“It’s so important being able to make that donation to the Beekley Center,” Zepka said, “They provide mammograms and screenings to people who can’t afford them. I hope this event becomes something that we do every year, that it takes off. It’s always good to bring the community together.”
The family-friendly event will feature non-alcoholic beverages for those who prefer them. Lucan’s Grill Food Truck will also be on site, offering a variety of Jamaican culinary delights, including burgers, chicken wings, and jerk pork.
The Fightin’ For A Cure Fundraiser will be held at The New Cambridge Project on Friday Oct. 18, from 6 to 10 p.m.
Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org
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