‘Pink Heals’ event to feature firetruck pull
Members of the Cape Coral Fire Department undoubtedly have their work cut out for them.
On Saturday, a team of 30 to 35 firefighters will attempt to break a Guinness World Record, while helping to raise money and awareness for cancer research and support within the local community. The team is working with the Pink Heals initiative to help Annabelle Starr, 8, and others in Lee County.
A Cape resident, Annabelle, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on July 17.
“The Cape Coral Fire Department has historically been involved in fundraising events for charity,” spokesman Capt. Michael Heeder said.
It is, however, the first time that the CCFD has tried to break a world record as a fundraiser.
Starting at 9 a.m., the team of firefighters will try to pull a full-size fire engine one mile on Chiquita Boulevard, from Southwest 50th Street to Cape Harbour. The current record stands at 30 minutes.
The Guinness World Records, in London, England, has confirmed the CCFD’s attempt.
“We can have up to 100 people participating in the pull. However, we will not,” Heeder said.
The two dozen or so taking part will be broken up into smaller teams, then will take turns pulling.
“This will allow us to keep fresh feet on the ground,” he said.
The rules require that the ground be perfectly flat, which is why Chiquita was selected.
“It is flat, and it allows us to pull the vehicle as quickly as possible given the terrain,” Heeder said.
The community is invited to come out for the event and support the department.
“We’re encouraging people to come up and line up along Chiquita Boulevard and cheer on the team,” he said.
Following the pull, attendees and participants are welcome to gather at Cape Harbour to celebrate. There will be apparatus displays from the CCFD on site, as well as representatives from Pink Heals.
“They’ll be able to visit with the firefighters involved in the record-breaking attempt,” Heeder said.
T-shirts and other items will be available for sale, with the proceeds to help those locally.
“All of the money that’s raised from that stays here in the Cape,” he said.
People can also donate directly to the cause.
The fundraiser will wrap up at noon at Cape Harbour.
The public can follow the record breaking attempt online at: www.facebook.com/CapeCoralFD.
Pink Heals started in 2007 to help people battling cancer, with a focus on women and children. It has taken the theme of public safety with pink fire trucks and police cars to serve the community by putting people first instead of causes. It thinks money raised in community should remain in the community.
For more information about Pink Heals, visit online at: www.pinkfiretrucks.org/.