Second ‘Heroes of the Runway’ a burning success

When there’s an emergency, firefighters grab their turnout gear and go and Red Cross volunteers hit the road.

On May 16, local firefighters and staff and volunteers from the Inland Northwest chapter of the American Red Cross really “turned out” to raise money for disaster relief services.

The second annual Heroes of the Runway, held at Northern Quest Casino was emceed by Leslie Lowe of KXLY Television.

The evening began with the posting of the colors by the Spokane Valley Fire Department Honor Guard and the Valley Pipe and Drum Corps.

The crew of 31 models, sporting clothing from Chico’s at RiverPark Square and Mountain Gear, included Red Cross Executive Director Dawn Lindblom, as well as Chris Wetherell and Bill Reeves of the Spokane International Airport Fire Department Reeves was accompanied by daughter, Danielle Reeves.

Others taking a stroll down the runway were, Red Cross Chairman of the Board Mary DeLateur, 11-year-old David Piatt and Spokane County Fire District 8 Division Chief Bob Ladd. Also modeling were Danielle Burton-Williams, a nurse from Holy Family Hospital and Sacred Heart Medical Center, and District 10 firefighter Nicole Bohnet.

Live auction offerings included a “Day with the Chief” which included lunch and a tour with Spokane Fire Dept. Chief Bobby Williams and a day on the lake with Jewelry Design Center owner Doug Toone and family.

Organizers say they raised twice the amount of money raised last year.

I think it’s safe to say the event was a blazing success.