Rescue Squad Auxiliary Raises $1,950 at Annual Pancake Breakfast

Local residents, 26 business owners, and public officials came together on Sunday, February 26, to support the at the Squad’s third annual Pancake Breakfast. This year, 150 supporters raised $1,950 that will be used to help support the Rescue Squad. The Squad is currently celebrating of volunteer service in Scotch Plains.

The Pancake Breakfast was organized by the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad Auxiliary and is the largest fundraising event of the year. For $5, local residents were treated to all-you-can-eat pancakes and participated in a raffle.

The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad Auxiliary was founded by Jennifer Speth, 21, in 2009.

“My parents met when they were 16 while volunteering for the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad,” Speth said. “I knew that being an EMT was not for me, but I still wanted to help support the Squad. I formed the Auxiliary to help say thank you to the 120 men and women who save lives in our community.”

Speth stated that the Auxiliary now consists of 30 volunteers. Some are former squad members; others are wives or husbands of volunteers. The Squad also has several younger members who want to volunteer when they come of age.

The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad is an all-volunteer squad. Although the township makes a $30,000 donation once a year, all other costs must be covered by fundraising.  To this date, the Auxiliary has raised nearly $7,000 to help pay for medical equipment, rescue trucks, publicity to help recruit new members, and special “thank you” events for the squad.

Surrounded by close friends and family, Scotch Plains Councilman Glover raved about the quality of the food, and the life-saving services provided by the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad.

“I am having such a delightful breakfast! My wife, Joanne is a member of the Auxiliary and we have been supporters of the Squad ever since we moved to Scotch Plains,” Glover said. “The Rescue Squad is a wonderful group of people who constantly give back to the community. What better way to show your support than to show up to this fundraiser with a big group of friends? Especially when the food is so good!”

Scotch Plains Mayor, Nancy Malool also attended the breakfast, accompanied by her two daughters, Emily and Amanda, and her husband, Paul.

“This rescue squad does an amazing job. The training they have to go through is so intense – I couldn’t do it. I have had to use their services a few times before and the Squad was nothing but friendly, helpful and professional. I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t support them. Honestly, it is really a no-brainer.”  

As he helped his 2-year-old son, Ryan, scoop chocolate chips onto a plate of pancakes, Squad member, Chris Fuentes paused to thank the Auxiliary.

“The Auxiliary is immensely helpful,” Fuentes said.  “I’ve been a member of the Rescue Squad for four years and I am so grateful for their appreciation and their willingness to give back.”