Roswell Fire and Police Charity Gala

By Helen Borland

The Roswell Fire and Police Foundation held a black tie charity gala in Ivy Hall at the charming Roswell Mill on Saturday, Jan. 18, and it was the social event of the season. Over 175 people came to support the Foundation, and it was a festive night where the Mayor and his wife, Roswell city council members and their spouses, doctors, bankers, lawyers, merchants, restaurant owners and many others came to lend their support to the organization that assists public service employees in Roswell.

The Roswell Fire and Police Foundation was formed in 2004 when a fireman was seriously injured in an accident. His insurance paid his medical expenses, but it couldn’t make up for the lost income from his second job. Many police and firefighters work two jobs and if they can’t go to their second job, the loss of income is enough to put them in a difficult financial position. That’s where the Foundation comes in.

Currently Roswell has 15 full time and 148 part time firefighters and 160 certified police. For the past 10 years, an average of 12 public service employees have been injured each year on the job. The Foundation has provided $100,000 in goods and services for those who have asked for it. The Foundation does not hand out money, but will pay bills, provide transportation and make arrangements for other requested services. The identity of the recipients is confidential.

Tony Papoutsis, CEO, Ray Voght III, CFO and Brian Dobson incorporated the Foundation as a 501(c)3 in 2004. There are currently 13 members on the Board, which includes firefighters, police and spouses. For more information or to make a donation to the Foundation, go to www.RoswellFPF.org.

Roswell Fire and Police Foundation Charity Gala - Promotional Video

By Helen Borland

Deputy Fire Chief Tony Papoutsis, CEO of the Roswell Fire and Police Foundation, announced that the Foundation is holding a Charity Gala on Saturday, January 18 at Roswell Mill to benefit Roswell firefighters, police, EMTs and other public safety personnel.

Employees working for the City of Roswell are covered by workman’s comp if they are injured on the job, but 148 of the 163 Roswell firefighters are part time and most of them have full time jobs in other fields.

Most of the injuries occur at their full time jobs. When they can’t get to their part time job, their incomes are cut enough to put them in a tight financial spot. That’s where the Foundation comes in.

The Roswell Fire and Police Foundation was formed and incorporated as a 501(c) 3 in 2004 by Tony Papoutsis, Brian Dobson and Ray Voght III. The mission and sole purpose of the Foundation is to help Roswell public safety employees and their families in times of need.

“The Foundation doesn’t hand out cash,” said Papoutsis. They pay for services and bills, such as rent and utilities and provide emotional aid. Some citizens and Foundation board members give support by donating their time and expertise, which includes counseling for financial and legal assistance, rides to and from doctor’s appointments or rides for children’s extracurricular activities.

The Charity Gala will be held in Ivy Hall at Roswell Mill on Saturday, January 18 from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. The event is Black Tie Optional and features a buffet-style dinner, open bar and the band, Yacht Rock.

Individual tickets are $150 per person. Corporate sponsorship packages are available starting at $500. A limited number of tickets will be sold at the door. To purchase tickets or for more information, go to RoswellFPF.org.