Crime & Safety
Supporting the Rescue Squad
Barry Brill of Brill's karate helped sponsor a fundraiser Friday at Wendy's for the East Brunswick Rescue Squad.
Barry Brill, owner of Brill's Karate in Spotswood, had his hands in another fundraiser for the East Brunswick Rescue Squad last Friday, and with the help of the local Wendy’s on Route 18, he was able to raise close to $300.
Karate students of Barry's came to help take donations and perform stunts for the incoming customers. Customers got the satisfaction of helping their community while being entertained. Ten percent of what was sold between 5 and 8 p.m. Friday at that Wendy’s location went directly to the rescue squad. For store manager Frank Rodriguez, it was a no brainer.
“I just wanted to give back to the community” said Rodriguez, a Toms River resident. “It makes me feel good to do something for a good cause and I can’t wait to do it again.”
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Initially, Brill was having some difficulty getting businesses involved in the fundraiser but was pleased when he partnered with Frank.
“I approached Frank about my karate fundraiser and he actually offered to do this event,” said Brill.
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East Brunswick Councilwoman Nancy Pinkin stopped by to show her appreciation and give her thoughts on the volunteer rescue squad.
“I’m so appreciative for Barry doing this to help raise money for the first aid squad,” said Pinkin. “He’s one of a kind.”
While rescue squads such as Monroe Township have paid workers, East Brunswick relies solely on donations and volunteers. They do not receive money from taxes like the Fire District. The free service saves taxpayer money and residents from being billed for their emergencies.
According to David Willenbrock, president of the East Brunswick Rescue Squad, the founders of the squad took out second mortgages on their homes to build the original building and East Brunswick is fighting to keep volunteering a part of the community.
“They choose to volunteer. In fact we are fighting to preserve it so they can volunteer,” said Pinkin.
For the volunteers at the rescue squad, it is fulfilling to help out their community and they wouldn't have it any other way.
“We have a lot of members who say to me if we go paid they’ll leave,” said Willenbrock.
Brill and Rodriguez plan to continue this fundraiser at the East Brunswick Wendy’s location hoping to draw more traffic each time.
For more information, contact Barry Brill at Bbrill3@aol.com.
