Ambulance Corps Aims to Raise Money for Annual Operations with Brunch

For more than 50 years, the Little Neck Douglaston Community Ambulance Corps has been lending a helping hand to northeast Queens residents.

This weekend, the group is asking the communities it serves to do the same.

is hosting a $15.95 brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 12. A portion of the total sales raised during the brunch will go toward ambulance corps’ 2012 budget.

Louis Calderon, president of the corps, said the group needs an estimated $100,000 to operate this year.

“We need more funding,” he said. “We just want to get our name out there more. So, this is a great opportunity for the community to meet the lifesavers.”

The brunch will include items from Strawberry’s regular menu.

The open-door event will also include a slide show of photos from the ambulance corps’ history, raffles with prizes from Strawberry’s and and another raffle during which 50 percent of the prize goes to the winner and 50 percent is given to the corps.

“This is the first fundraiser we’ve done anywhere,” Calderon said. “We need some more lifesaving equipment, fuel for our ambulances and other items for our daily operation.”

The corps recently installed reverse cameras and GPS systems in its ambulances.

Calderon said the corps is also planning on fundraising during its annual EMS Celebration Day, which will be held this year on May 20 at its headquarters.

The group will attempt to raise part of its budget through the two fundraisers. It also takes part in annual fund drives and receives donations from local community groups, such as the Westmoreland Association.

For more information, visit the ambulance corps’ website.

Strawberry’s is located at 42-15 235th St. in Douglaston.