NoVa Firefighters Pipe Band Fundraiser Collects $5K

The Northern Virginia Firefighters Emerald Society Pipe Band raised about $5,300 during its fundraiser in Herndon on Saturday, Feb. 5.

The fundraiser, which took place at Finnegan’s in Woodland Park Crossing, featured performances, a silent auction, raffles and a 50/50 drawing. The band often performs at festivals, parades, funerals and the National Fallen Firefighters' Memorial Weekend.

Bill Bryce said they were able to raise that amount in just over three hours. Bryce, a performer with the band and member of the board of directors and fundraiser committee, said the band was extremely humbled and appreciative for all the support. 

“Donations are critical for our band to survive and support the community in which we live,” Bryce said. In an e-mail, he said band members devote a lot of time and money to participating and it’s entirely voluntary. He said band members are responsible for out of pocket expenses, including lessons, instruments, uniforms, instrument expenses and more, and the band doesn’t receive money from any municipality or county.

The event in Herndon went great and the only problem was that it was crowded, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, Bryce said. He said to see the support for a band that’s been in existence for 27 years was humbling.

Those that came out included friends and families of the band members, as well as members of other area firefighters’ pipe bands, and even some of Herndon’s firefighters. Bryce said members of pipe bands from Montgomery County, Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and even Cleveland came to perform and support them.

The band chose to hold the event in Herndon because of it’s location, and chose Finnegan’s because of its accessibility and available parking. He said they also wanted a place that had a good Irish pub feel. He said the restaurant’s high ceilings and openness really helped the band’s sound come through.

For more information visit www.novairishpipes.org.