Marple Shows Spirit With Rita's Treats For First Responders' New Building

BROOMALL–There’s nothing like cooling down with a frosty treat on a sweltering hot day. It’s even better when you're enjoying that water ice or ice cream knowing that you're helping out the community.

The and the held their “Spirit Night Fundraiser” on Tuesday night at in Broomall. Rita’s donated 20 percent of the night’s sales to the companies, and also whipped up a pair of sweet treats in honor of both organizations.

For the fire company, there was the “Fire Smoke Eaters Blendini,” a combination of Swedish Fish water ice, vanilla custard and M&Ms, which were to symbolize flames. The “Mad Medics Blendini” was made of the ambulance corps’ three colors: yellow birthday cake water ice, red strawberry water ice, and white vanilla custard with vanilla wafers.

Rita’s set up a special prize wheel too, with proceeds benefitting both volunteer organizations. For a dollar a spin, supporters could win Rita’s coupons.

Both organizations were grateful for Rita’s generosity and the customers’ support.

Sam Horn, president of the Marple Ambulance Corps, said the funds will go toward their new building project.

“We’re trying to raise money for our new headquarters. We have outgrown our existing building. We hope to move to the current location of the fire company and that’s a possibility, but we need money to renovate that,” Horn says.

Horn added that both groups are experiencing financial difficulties and a loss of volunteers, so they have combined their efforts. He said they’ve started to increase the number of community events held throughout the year in order to raise money and awareness.

Mike Ostrander of the Broomall Fire Co. believed that awareness is key.

“It’s good for us to get out into the community. We interact with them and help gain support for us and the ambulance corps,” said Ostrander.

Meeting and greeting the community also helps with recruiting new members, says Maria Price. Price is an EMS volunteer, and the mother of a young for Broomall Fire Co.

“I think it’s good for the public to see us out here with the cadets. We always need volunteers,” said Price. “The basis of the cadet program is that you start the kids young, keep them involved and interested, and have them remain active.”

The main goal of the cadet program is to reach out to young community members, specifically 13- to 16-year-olds, to learn lifesaving skills.

Price’s son, Nick Price, said he was thrilled to be a part of the program.

“It gets you involved in your community. I really like doing the hose lines,” said the 14-year-old.

The all-volunteer fire company and ambulance corps are always looking for volunteers. For more information on the cadet program, or to find out how you can volunteer or support the cause, visit the Broomall Fire Co.’s website and Marple Ambulance Corps Ambulance website.