Lakeside Fire Fighters Team Up with Eastbound Grill to make a Dream Come True

Lakeside, CA -

On October 12, 2014, Lakeside Fire Fighters teamed up with the Eastbound Bar and Grill to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Specifically for a young man suffering from a life threatening heart condition. This fund raiser is part of the regional "Octoberstache" effort that Central Zone fire agencies are participating in. But the whole Octoberstache has its unique beginnings right here in the East County.

Six years ago, the El Cajon Professional Firefighters started a friendly competition between their members. The idea was to see who could grow the most impressive mustache. An idea centered around bragging rights soon morphed into a competition with a strong connection to local fundraising.  Over the years many groups have received funds from the fundraiser including a number of local charities.

The El Cajon Firefighters felt that this could be a better fundraiser if multiple agencies were approached with the idea of participating in an effort to work together. But this would also provide a better competition to see who could grow the best mustache and have bragging rights over a much broader group of participants.

The concept was that each participating agency would hold a local fundraiser by locating participating merchants that would like to work with the groups. In addition, T-shirt sales would be conducted at these events to provide additional funds.

Lakeside Fire Fighters were contacted by Erwin Sanchez and Gabe Vevloli of the El Cajon Professional Firefighters about participating in this event. Lakeside Firefighter-Paramedic Danny Leetch volunteered to coordinate the local effort.

The Eastbound Bar and Grill was quick to sign onto the effort offering their establishment for a fundraiser. The event was held on the evening of October 12. Eastbound donated 10% of the proceeds to the "Make-A-Wish" foundation.

The staff from the Eastbound Bar and Grill pose with Lakeside and El Cajon Firefighters at the Octoberstache event in Lakeside.

The Eastbound Bar and Grill has always been an eager participant to help with local charities. The Lakeside Fire Fighters hold an annual "Demolition Derby" event at the Eastbound where the proceeds go to children affected by burn injuries.

As always, there was a great crowd at the Eastbound where everyone enjoyed some exceptional food and surroundings. Once again, Lakeside Fire Fighters would like to thank the Eastbound Bar and Grill for their continued generosity.

Erwin Sanchez (El Cajon Professional Firefighters) rounded up the entire family to help sell Octoberstache shirts.

From left to right is Lakeside Fire Fighters Jamie Hazlewood, Danny Leetch and Beto Lawler. In the center is Nathan who will be this year's recipient. Next to him is Erwin Sanchez and Gabe Vevloli of the El Cajon Professional Firefighters. 

A young man by the name of Nathan will be the recipient of this year's fundraiser. Stricken with a life threatening heart condition, Nathan will have the opportunity to fulfill his wish from this effort. Any additional funds will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to assist with others.

Now for the good part! If you missed tonight's event you still have the opportunity to attend the big event where the mustaches will be judged and the winner of the Octoberstache will be determined. This is going to be a great finale that you won't want to miss. The event will be held on:

October 29, 2014, at 5:00 p.m.
URBN El Cajon
110 North Magnolia Ave.
El Cajon, CA

Submitted By: Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District