Just two days after the names of 19 fallen firefighters were released to the public in the wake of the still-burning Yarnell Fire in Central Ariz., community members from all over the Valley are stepping in to help families of the victims and Scottsdale chef Michael O’Dowd and business partner Ed Leclere are no exception.
This Friday and Saturday, Renegade by MOD restaurant in Scottsdale will hold fundraising events for the Yarnell Hill Fire relief effort. On both days, Renegade by MOD will donate five percent of the entire day’s sales to a fund set up through the 100 Club of Arizona, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing funds and other services to families and victims of public safety officers.
Additionally, the restaurant will host a “Fill The Boot” party on both evenings inside the MOD bar, which will feature live entertainment from The New Brothers Band on Friday and Jared Blackstone on Saturday. Leclere and O’Dowd will ask that a minimum five dollar donation be placed inside the giant firefighter boots on display before entering the fundraising event in the lounge. Additional boots will be placed on the bar for guests who wish to give a little extra throughout the evening. One hundred percent of all donations will go to the 100 Club fund, providing relief to the families of the fallen firemen.
An avid supporter of the work that firefighters do all across the state, this isn’t the first time Leclere has held a “Fill The Boot” campaign.
“In March, we held a St. Patty’s Day party to raise funds for the families of fallen firefighters from Chandler, Mesa and Surprise and netted $1,100 in donations in one night. We’re hoping to crush that number this weekend – there are 19 families who need our support up north,” said Leclere.
Both Harley enthusiasts and riders, Leclere and O’Dowd have spent countless hours cruising through Central and Northern Arizona and are stunned by the fire’s destruction.
“Ed and I have spent many days driving up Highway 89 and winding through some of the most amazing scenery and charming towns we’ve ever seen,” said O’Dowd. “We are not only saddened at the unexpected loss of homes and businesses in Yarnell Hill, but at the astonishing loss of life caused by the fire. We proudly honor the fallen 19 firefighters of the Granite Mountain Hotshots and through the help of the 100 Club, intend to send aid to the families who mourn their loss.”
Patrons wishing to support the relief effort at Renegade by MOD can visit the restaurant from 2 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6. Live entertainment will kick off the “Fill The Boot” party both evenings at 7 p.m. inside the MOD Bar. Renegade by MOD is located at 9343 E Shea Boulevard in Scottsdale. For more information, guests may call Renegade by MOD at (480) 614-9400.
