Champion fundraiser sells out in 30 minutes

CHAMPION — Eight Champion volunteer firefighters were watching a blaze at their station on Sunday, but this fire helped them raise money for the department.

These flames were for one of their regular chicken barbecues, which often help to raise $500 to buy equipment and pay for maintenance.

“We do this every year on Super Bowl Sunday,” said Jennifer M. Waite, department treasurer. “I had people come from Cape Vincent.”

The firefighters cook the chicken and sell it for $5 for a half or $8 for a full meal. All proceeds benefit the department, 20220 County Route 47.

It’s a positive turnaround from 18 months ago, when the department almost closed down.

The town of Champion voted not to renew its contract with the department in October 2010, opting instead to contract with West Carthage. The Champion department fought back and, after extensive negotiations with the Town Council, the parties signed a two-year contract that saved the department from dissolution and allowed it to continue serving the town.

“We’ve raised our membership since that happened,” Ms. Waite said. “We have 10 or 12 more people.”

The department has 25 members now.

Members hold five chicken barbecue fundraisers throughout the year, along with an auction in May.

The chicken on Super Bowl Sunday sold out within a half-hour of the noon starting time, faster than during any previous barbecue. “This is one of our biggest fundraisers,” Ms. Waite said.

She said she thinks Sunday’s nice weather and people buying food for their Super Bowl parties helped the chicken sell out so quickly.

The next barbecue is planned for noon April 25 at the fire station. Food can be reserved in advance as long as it’s paid for first. For more information, call 493-2099.