As part of a large fundraising effort for Evans Center Firefighter Dennis Allen, a benefit scheduled for September 6, 2008 will feature a live auction of firefighter art and memorabilia. The benefit will run from 2-8pm and the live auction will kick off at 5pm.

Former Chief Allen received a double lung transplant on July 2, 2008 after suffering from the deadly disease: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis for more than two years. He is currently recovering at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

Highlights of the auction will include two hand-made quilts created with fire themed t-shirts and patches from fire departments across the country. Each quilt is more than 7 ft. x 7ft. and would make a great keepsake for any first responder.

Other auction items include more than a dozen fire helmets and full size fire hydrants custom painted by local artists and body shops. Artwork from famous fire artists such as Allan Albaitis and signed posters from Firehouse.com cartoonist Paul Combs will accompany lots of collectibles donated by firefighters from across the area.

Radio personalities and volunteer firefighters: Carl "97 Rock" Russo and Danny Neaverth Jr. will act as the auctioneers for this event that offers plenty of great items and laughs.

Admission to the benefit is $20 and first responders are offered $5 in free theme basket auction tickets if they arrive in uniform to show their support for Chief Allen. The benefit will offer theme basket, 50/50 and large ticket item raffles as well as food and music.

Visit www.dennisallenproject.com or call Tiger Schmittendorf at 549-0022 or tiger5@firehousezone.com for more info or to donate auction items. Auction item donations will gratiously be accepted through Friday-September 5th.

There's an effort underway by some FFN members to donate t-shirts and patches from their fire department to be used in the auction and/or as raffle prizes. If you are interested in assisting in this endeavor, please forward all materials ASAP to: Tiger Schmittendorf, 3359 Broadway, Cheektowaga NY 14227.