Ruth Oehmig, owner of Café on the Corner, will hold a fundraiser for equipment for Lookout Mountain’s fire departments. She will host the sixth annual Fill the Boot Fundraiser Tuesday, Nov. 10, 6 p.m., at her restaurant.
On May 27, 2014, a gas leak caused a fire in the 100-year-old building, resulting in 20-foot flames that blocked access to the shut-off valve. Several firemen created a wall of water while another walked in, acting as a human shield from the heat.
The firefighters also kept the crowds safe after a fallen utility pole exposed a live wire. Oehmig later learned the men and women of Lookout Mountain’s fire departments often work with inadequate equipment due to low budgets.
“I have an enormous amount of gratitude for Lookout Mountain’s fire departments,” Oehmig says. “They not only fought the raging gas fire that gutted my café, they also hugged and cried with me as we watched my business go up in flames.”
Despite the efforts of the fire department, the building was a total loss. Café on the Corner reopened a year later, and since then, Oehmig has worked to raise awareness and funds for Lookout Mountain’s volunteer firefighters.
The proceeds from Fill the Boot will go toward equipment for the firefighters – particularly masks and communication equipment.
Currently, the firefighters must share masks with each other, but the donations from this year’s fundraiser will provide each firefighter with his or her own mask.
“This equipment isn’t cheap,” Oehmig says. “But it’s our responsibility to do whatever we can to keep the people who are risking their lives to save our homes, businesses and often our lives safe.”
During this year’s event, attendees will be able to pick up to-go boxes of food and make a donation.
Information: 423 825-5005.
Source: Ruth Oehmig