The boys in the band, from left, Don Richmond, Fred Hargrove and Fritz Davis, added their own special touch to Saturday night's Fire & and Ball.

MONTE VISTA – The first annual Fire and Ice Ball to benefit the Monte Vista Fire Department was a huge success, according to organizers.

Charlotte Crites and Melody Wittner sat at a table next to the door Saturday night, and watched approximately 130 people attend the event held at the Monte Vista Elks Lodge. An estimated $2,200 was raised by the benefit.

“That’s how we get special equipment,” said Fire Chief Charles Archer, “such as a thermal imaging device” which can cost up to $3,000, but can help them see through smoke and ultimately save lives.

Archer said they were surprised by the ball, and he praised organizers for the support, “They did a great job. I’m very proud of the community. I am very appreciative of the community coming out and supporting us. The Fire Department works hard, and it’s a great relationship (with the community).”

The Monte Vista Fire Department is manned by 20 firemen, three cadets and Chaplain Wayne Wittner. The Department receives an average of twenty to thirty calls per month, during Spring, and “We’ve had eighteen calls this month (January),” said Archer.

With the help of the firemen and Wayne Wittner, his wife Melody and Charlotte Crites organized and coordinated the event. Prime Rib was served; prepared by Brad and Jan Warwick and Gayle Trujillo. Music was provided by area musicians/recording artists Don Richmond, Fred Hargrove, and Fritz Davis from Red River, New Mexico. Donations of food and supplies was instrumental in helping to stage the event.

Donors included Jack’s Market, Grace and Bob Merkey, Ron Martinez, Tri-Me Potato Company, and Harrison Farms.

Rocky Mountain Stage Productions, Raising H Ranch, Alamosa Live Music Association (which helped with a portion of the cost of music), Monte Vista Elks Lodge, Monte Vista Coop, Valley Publishing, San Luis Valley Federal Bank, V & V Hardware, Elite Expressions, SLV Law Firm/Matt Hobbs, Rocky Mountain Plumbing, Lockhart’s Furniture, KSLV Radio, Adams Street Emporium, The Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce, Monte Vista Main Street, Tim Dellett, Habitat for Humanity, and “eight or nine anonymous donors” helped with supplies, services or donations.

Firemen and their families enjoyed dancing to the music of Richmond, Hargrove and Davis, and they were in full dress uniform for the event.

Archer said that even though some might not have been able to attend the Ball and donate, they welcome donations in the mail. The address to which donations should be sent is: Monte Vista Fire Department, P.O. Box 187, Monte Vista, CO 81144.