2025 President’s Letter

 

I would like to thank all of you who have invested in our cause to support our First Responders in Michigan, the residents of Oakland County, and members of the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. Because of you, we have given hope and relief to many families who faced devastating circumstances in 2024. I would like to share our team’s successes from this past year.

 

In 2024, we had tremendous success with our “Comedy / Banquet” fundraiser. We upgraded our venue to Pine Knob’s Carriage House in Clarkston, and our team put together a first-class event—it showed. We shared great laughs, and one of the families we assisted gave a heartfelt testimony about how, because of your generosity, they were able to survive brain cancer for a second time.

 

Our fundraising efforts were a huge success. Between fundraising events, bourbon sales, the Renaissance beer tent, and the Rochester Eagles Purse Auction, we have been truly blessed.

The FBF Christmas Family Celebration was another incredible event. Through the Oakland County Sheriff’s School Resource Officers, we were able to support 10 families. Additionally, we assisted two families through Haven of Oakland County, one family through CARE House, and two families in Pontiac who lost their homes due to fire. Each family received Christmas gifts (both necessities and wish-list items), a Christmas dinner at a local restaurant, and a $250 gas gift card. Again, thank you for your support.

 

As always, we helped many families with utilities, car payments, rent, mortgages, funeral expenses, and other essential costs. One of the families we assisted suffered a serious tragedy when the husband unexpectedly became paralyzed. During his eight-week rehabilitation, we covered all their meal expenses.

This year, 2025, is already off to a busy start. We are set for our “Comedy / Banquet” fundraiser, once again at Pine Knob Carriage House. This year, our featured comedian will be Mike Armstrong, a retired police officer from Kentucky who has become a nationally recognized figure in comedy.

 

As I close this letter, I want to take a moment to thank the FBF board members and their families, who tirelessly volunteer their time to make this cause a success. Their families make sacrifices to support us and our mission, and for that, I am truly grateful.

 

Lastly, I would like to extend my gratitude to the individuals, businesses, and corporate sponsors who helped raise funds for the Reckling family. On June 22, 2024, we tragically lost our Brother, Deputy Brad Reckling, in an ambush that led to his senseless and horrific murder while on duty. The FBF launched a fundraiser to support his pregnant wife and their three daughters. Because of your generosity, we were able to present a check of over six figures. Thank you again.

 

Let’s make 2025 another successful year.

 

President
 

Rich Knodel

​​