For 4 years now the People’s Burn Foundation has been honored to work with our fire service departments across the country by providing the To Hell and Back educational series; These turn-key programs allow firefighters and departments independent learning instruction online, and at no cost to them, thanks to the Department of Homeland Security. The success of these programs has been overwhelming, so much so that we have expanded our staff to support the daily fire department and firefighter inquiries requesting program assistance.

The time has come, however, that we now must ask those we have served for their assistance and support.  We received word that we must vacate our current office location within 90 days and we need your help! Our plea to our fellow brothers and sisters in the fire service is this. Please help us take command to secure the future of PBF.

No amount is too little. If every firefighter will donate $5, we would be well on our way to purchasing a new location. For those who may want to pool money within your squad, ladder or engine company, a donation of $50 or more would not only help us reach our goal more quickly, but will allow you name recognition on the walls of our new classroom. The goal is to raise $200,000 by the end of the year. If you will forward this email to other firefighters and departments you know, we would greatly appreciate your assistance.

We are calling on our brothers and sisters for your help and hope you can find it in your hearts to do so! Time is of the essence.

Make checks payable to: People’s Burn Foundation
Memo section: Building Fund
Mailing address:
People’s Burn Foundation
323 N. Delaware Street
Indianapolis,IN 46204

Before Euphoria opened the doors of its fine dining establishment to the public in November, co-owner Amy Hornsby and her husband Blake offered nearly 100 guests a sneak-peek into their establishment on Tuesday, October 21st.  Located at the north end of the canal in the historic Bugg's Temple in downtown Indianapolis, Euphoria features the delectable creations of Chef Brad Gates.  Diners that evening were treated to a magnificent three-course meal for a nominal donation that came directly to PBF.  The evening was a sellout and raised over $1000 for the People's Burn Foundation.  A heartfelt thanks to Amy and Blake for their dedication and support of our organization.  For your next evening out, be sure to visit Euphoria located at 337 West 11th Street.  To place a reservation, call (317) 955-2389.

It was a packed house at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Firefighters Union Hall on Saturday, November 8th as patrons filled the banquet room for the Ol Skool Band Charity Benefit for PBF.  Guests enjoyed dinner, drinks and a toe-tapping performance courtesy of the Ol Skool Band.  By evenings end, $3000 was donated to PBF!  Thanks to members of the band, volunteers and all who attended in support of our mission!

It was Girls Night Out at Hoosier Park in Anderson as Lookworthy Face and Body Retreat hosted a fabulously fun evening.  Guests enjoyed trying their luck at the casino while bidding on an array of distinctive silent auction items.  Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Timothy Gillum of Gillum Facial Plastic Surgery, some lucky bidders have a refreshing new look in their future!  Others walked away with a football autographed by Colts All Pro Center Jeff Saturday, a tee-shirt signed by the Colts, and luxurious products from Lookworthy.  A heartfelt thank you to Lyla and her staff for helping to raise more than $3000 for PBF!  Be sure to visit Lookworthy in Anderson at 1615 E. 53rd Street or learn more about their services by calling (765) 644-7547.

Adult Burn Survivors spent the second weekend in November together in support and celebration of one another.  PBF therapist Lora Hays shared the following as she reflected back on the retreat:

"The experience was a fun weekend of sharing and being together where the "I can't" became "I can".  Where the more experienced could help the less experienced and the group could come together in understanding.  One of the adult burn survivors summed up the weekend the best when he said he found the connection he had been seeking and felt the support of all the others.  Most important, he felt safe in the environment and could talk about issues with others who were further along in their recovery.  He realizes now that he is not alone and there is HOPE!

This was the second annual retreat and with the phenomenal feedback and healing experienced this last weekend, the PBF Connection will begin to meet monthly."

The People's Burn Foundation is seeking fire departments, career, volunteer or combination, to participate in the pilot testing phase of the next To Hell and Back training program for fire fighters.  THB IV will educate on the dangers in fire smoke, specifically hydrogen cyanide.  Participating departments will be required to conduct pre and post testing, program presentation and evaluation within their department using materials provided by the PBF.  Pilot testing will begin in January.  Departments interested or seeking additional information can contact Justin Phillips, Director of Education at jphillips@peoplesburnfoundation.org or 877-814-2024.

The Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, in partnership with the People’s Burn Foundation of Indiana and Campus Firewatch of Massachusetts, has launched a campaign to sell fire-safe flameless candles and distribute fire safety literature at the seven campuses in Ohio with Pi Phi chapters.