South Lake Tahoe neighborhood raises $8,350 for Lake Valley Firefighter Foundation

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Residents in the Upper Montgomery Estates neighborhood were drawn together during the Caldor Fire when they greeted firefighters with treats and words of appreciation as they came out of the forest after their daily shifts.

That camaraderie continued through social media and was capped off when local firefighters were invited to a recent block party that was planned by five of the residents: Felicity Hendricks, Monique Habicht, Nick Hendricks, Greg Gangitano, and John Gomez. This wasn't just a block party with lots of food and good conversation, it was also a fundraiser for the Lake Valley Fire Foundation.

Donations started coming in from the neighbors, and on Friday, November 5, several of them met at the Lake Valley Fire station to present firefighters with the funds raised - a check for $8,350.

A plaque was also erected in the neighborhood to thank those involved with the Caldor Fire.

Gomez said they hoped this would encourage other neighborhoods to join in the spirit of giving back to those who saved Lake Tahoe from the fire.