Working for the leading West Coast restoration and reconstruction expert can be a huge undertaking. But for Dawna Fry, Senior Account Manager at Har-Bro Emergency Restoration Services, it isn’t a job, it’s an honor. Why? Because every day, as her company strives to revive buildings damaged by water and fire, she’s a witness to the hard work and dedication of Southern California firefighters. That close interaction inspired her to find a way to express her appreciation and led her to the door of the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Even though Dawna volunteers for the charity on her own, she credits her company for connecting her to the charity. “Our Response Team got us involved. They’re out there on the front lines every day and they’ve built relationships with the firefighters.” As a result, Dawna and some of her office colleagues teamed up with their Response Team for the Hope for Firefighters fundraiser in 2012 and have kept coming back every year.
Despite her hectic schedule, Dawna hopes to volunteer even more. “For the last three years, I’ve participated at Hope. It’s a lot of fun and everyone has a great time” she says. “But this is my first year working with the golf tournament. We’ll be sponsoring the event and selling Golf Ball Drop tickets.” If all goes well at the LAFD Invitational this September, you may even see a Har-Bro team playing in the tournament next year.
Dawna also volunteers for the Orange City Fire Department. With them, she’s helped collect and deliver toys for bedridden children and pediatric cancer patients for the winter holidays.
When she’s not volunteering, Dawna enjoys yoga, Pilates and spending time with her husband. The charity is honored volunteers like Dawna are able to contribute their time. “I understand the firefighting industry a little bit,” explains Dawna. “And knowing we’re giving back to the community and the families of those firefighters is important to me.”
By Candace Nicholson