Since 2006, law enforcement officers, fire fighters and EMT’s in Salina have come together every October to raise money for local families in need. A charity flag football game has been played for 10 years.
In 2014, the Salina Guns and Hoses organization was formed. In the past two years, Salina Guns and Hoses has raised over $54,000 for five Salina families.
In 2015 enough money was raised to give the largest donation to a single family in the history of this event. They also held the first Salina Guns and Hoses Christmas, complete with a Christmas light tour in a limousine and lots of presents. In May 2016, they hosted the inaugural 10-FORE golf tournament at the Salina Municipal Golf Course. Proceeds from this event were donated to a 6 year old Leukemia patient.
Two families were selected for the 2016 Guns vs Hoses charity flag football event.
Jadea Bunville is 8 months old and has 9pminus Syndrome, a terminal deletion of the portion of one of the 9th chromosomes. She is missing 40 genes from the deletion. She’s already had a couple of surgeries and the medical bills are piling up. Her parents and 6-year-old big brother Kyeson adore Miss Jadea.
Andy Tran is 7 years old and is battling leukemia for the second time. He was diagnosed in December of 2011, was in remission in the fall of 2015 and just learned in March of 2016 his leukemia has returned. His family love their superhero. Andy sings, dances and loves firefighters, EMT’s and police officers.
A life-threatening or rare medical condition is not only physically, emotionally and spiritually overwhelming, but it’s also financially devastating, even to those with medical insurance. When a child experiences a devastating illness, it can make us feel helpless. Organizers encourage the community to participate and support our local heroes raising money for a good cause. The goal is to create successful fundraisers and allow these kids to forget about being sick and just be a kid and have fun. Salina Guns and Hoses is committed to making a difference in the lives of children and helping to strengthen and empower them while battling a life-threatening or rare medical condition.
The 2016 Salina Guns vs Hoses charity flag football game was held at the Grave Family Sports Complex on the cmapus of Kansas Wesleyan University on October 2nd.
Andy, Jadea and their families arrived in style in a stretch limo and really enjoyed the show.
There were several activities all throughout the game.
600 people came out to watch the Guns end their winning streak.
The Guns team is made up of Salina PD, Saline County SO and KHP. The Hoses team is made up of Salina firefighters and EMT’s.
The families of a couple of officers who recently passed away were honored at the beginning of the game. Trooper Bill Goodness’ family and Deputy Jeremy Trostle’s family were honored. After a few words were said the families were presented with a Hometown Guardian memorial plaque.
The event raised over $17,000 to split between the families and still have enough left over for a Christmas surprise.
Organizers sold over 400 t-shirts. There were about 30 Guns, 30 Hoses, 15 volunteers and 10 businesses that helped. Without the players, volunteers and community, this event wouldn’t be possible.
And as for the game itself, the final score was Hoses 12 – Guns 7.
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Story from Nicole Ascher
