JV’s Restaurant in Falls Church co-sponsored a fundraiser this past Saturday afternoon with the Fairfax County Fire Department for the Washington Regional Fire & Rescue Department’s Aluminum Cans for Burned Children (ACBC), an organization that benefits young burn victims and their families by funding research, therapeutic burn camps, and other activities.
JV’s Restaurant in Falls Church co-sponsored a fundraiser this past Saturday afternoon with the Fairfax County Fire Department for the Washington Regional Fire & Rescue Department’s Aluminum Cans for Burned Children (ACBC), an organization that benefits young burn victims and their families by funding research, therapeutic burn camps, and other activities.
A large crowd left only standing room for guests, who paid a cover charge of $10 and were encouraged to give what they could for the cause. They didn’t disappoint.
Drawings and raffles also raised funds. Among the most popular prizes offered were the JV’s T-shirts and Harley items donated by the Patriot Harley-Davidson in Fairfax. Marlowe Ink, Tattoo & Piercing, also in Fairfax, also donated a coupon towards a tattoo to be auctioned off.
Oz and the Revue, a local rhythm and blues band renowned for their unique renditions of classic soul tunes, played live music for guests.
The inspiration for this event came from JV’s proprietor Lorraine Campbell. JV’s is a longtime supporter of those who serve and has sponsored fundraisers for members of the military and for police officers, and Campbell wanted to show her appreciation for local fire fighters.
“Fire fighters saved JV’s and I really wanted to show my appreciation,” she said of an incident that occurred five years ago in which the shopping center that housed JV’s caught fire. Campbell consulted Colin Flanigan, a patron of JV’s associated with the Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics, and he suggested holding the fundraiser for the ACBC.
Present at the event were representatives of Sen. Mark Warner and Congressman Gerry Connelly, who donated generously to the cause.
Dave Borowski, a burn survivor who sustained injuries as an infant so severe he was not expected to survive, shared his story at the event. Now 57, Borowski is a successful businessman and co-founder, with his wife, Kerry, of the Flicker of Hope Foundation. He spoke of his own experiences, and how his organization attempts to make it easier for young burn survivors.
“When I was young, burn camps didn’t exist. Now, at these special camps, young burn survivors are able to support one another,” Borowski said.
Flicker of Hope Foundation sponsors a scholarship fund meant to encourage young burn survivors to follow their dreams because, as Borowski noted, “Just because their physical aspects have changed, it doesn’t mean they have to give up their aspirations.”
Flicker of Hope Foundation works closely with ACBC. “So when you give to one organization, you can be helping others at the same time,” Borowski said.
For more information on helping burn survivors, visit www.acbcprogram.org or www.flickerofhope.org.
JV’s Restaurant is located at 6666 Arlington Boulevard in Falls Church.
