Fire & Ice Gala sparks $43,152 gift for Lodi Fire Foundation

The Lodi Fire Foundation will use a $43,152 donation from the Lodi Tokay Rotary Club to provide critical equipment, training and resources that help ensure Lodi firefighters have the tools needed to serve the community safely.

LODI — The Lodi Tokay Rotary Foundation presented a $43,152 donation to the Lodi Fire Foundation on Tuesday at Lodi Fire Station 1.

The contribution reflects the collective efforts of the foundation’s members, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who helped make the 2026 Fire & Ice Gala a success.

Participating in the presentation were Lodi Tokay Rotary Club President Sam Rehmke and 2026 Fire & Ice Gala cochairs Lisa Craig-Hensley, Katie Garner, Chris Meehleis and Carol Meehleis.

The donation will support the Lodi Fire Foundation’s mission to provide critical equipment, training and resources that help ensure Lodi firefighters have the tools needed to serve the community safely and effectively.

Among the foundation’s current priorities is helping equip a brush truck, a specialized vehicle designed to respond to fires in agricultural areas, open spaces and other rugged terrain throughout Lodi and surrounding communities.

As fire risks continue to evolve across the region, specialized equipment such as the brush truck plays a vital role in emergency response efforts.

“The Rotary motto, ‘Service Above Self,’ reflects the commitment of those who dedicate themselves to serving others,” said Craig-Hensley, club co-president-elect. “Few embody that spirit more than our firefighters and first responders, who place themselves in harm’s way to protect our families, businesses and community every day.”

“We are proud to partner with the Lodi Fire Foundation in supporting the men and women who protect our community,” Rehmke said. “Our hope is that this contribution will help ensure firefighters have access to the best equipment available when emergencies occur.”