7th Annual Believe 271 Pink Tie Gala Saturday, October 18th, 2025 6:00pm – 11:00 pm Hart’s Hill Inn, 135 Clinton St, Whitesboro, NY 13492 Local Business Owners and Service Organizations: A cancer diagnosis or a life-threatening illness can significantly affect individuals as well as their families and friends. Within the fire services, cancer is a leading cause of death. Both career and volunteer firefighters have a 73% higher likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer compared to the general population. Since March of 2014, the Believe 271 Foundation, Inc. has supported volunteers in Oneida and Herkimer Counties facing challenging diagnoses. To date, this 501(c)(3) organization has provided financial assistance totaling over $500,000.00 to 138 firefighters. The Pink Tie Gala stands as a premier fundraising annual event. The evening will feature hors…

2025 Believe 271/Robert Lebuis Memorial Golf Tournament Thank You On behalf of the Believe 271 Foundation Inc. Foundation, we extend our deepest gratitude for your sponsorship of the 12th Annual Believe 271/Robert LeBuis Memorial golf tournament held at the Twin Ponds Golf and Country Club on July 27 this year. This year's turnout had 160 golfers from around Central New York, and we thank you for your support this year as this event turned out to be a wonderful success. We could not have done it without your help. There was a real sense of community that would not have been possible without the support of local businesses, fire departments, foundations and friends. We also extend our gratitude to the sponsors, volunteers, and all those who worked tirelessly behind the…

Deerfield Fire Department Donation Following tonight’s parade in Deerfield, Chief Griffiths and Past Chief Powers presented Board Members Dan Schwertfeger and Brian McQueen with a $5,000 check for the Foundation. Presentations such as this would never be possible with the untiring efforts of the DFD who have presented us a check for the past 11 years. Also, thanks to ALL OF YOU who supported this Fish Fry this past April. You do make a difference!!! Photo credits: Betsy a Schwertfeger

9th Annual Believe 271 Bowling Tournament Results Last night was an awesome Bowling tournament for the Believe 271 foundation. We had 28 teams playing. We wish to thank Vista Lanes and Tony Lapolla, all the bowlers, lane sponsors, Chinese auction donors and the Volunteer Fire Company of Western for putting the tournament on. As a result of last nights tournament the Believe 271 foundation will be receiving a check for $6,426.00. We also had a special check presentation from Jeff Burkhart from the CNY Stair climb from last years stair climb for $3,500.00. Thank you CNY for considering our foundation. Last nights winners in the tournament were 1st. Place CMA Hauling 2nd place Yorkville Fire department and 3rd place Sauquoit fire department. The CMA Hauling group also won the Chief…

Believe 271 Foundation Year in Review 2024 "This Community Makes a Difference" By: Brian McQueen, President Your Board: Vice President Fred Sherman, Secretary/Asst Treasurer Betsy Schwertfeger, Treasurer/Corresponding Secretary Donna Grems, Christy DeKing, Eric DeKing, Dave Jones, Sarah McQueen, Daniel Mabbett, Daniel Schwertfeger, Dean Yauger Dr. Seuss shares a lesson with all of us. "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It is not." As we complete our plans for the holiday season with our families and friends, we can be thankful and appreciative of our community support as well as our fire service support over this past year. All of you in Oneida and Herkimer counties can stand tall for making a difference in the lives of those battling cancer and life-threatening…

  World of Roses Glass and Gifts   Gift giving can be so difficult at times!   Are you looking for that special, one of a kind gift for any occasion? Let us help you create it!   Place an order, now through October 15, 2023 and a portion will be donated back to Believe 271!   Check out Facebook: World of Roses Glass and Gifts or contact: Jennifer: 315-317-3819 worldofrosesglassandgifts@yahoo.com [siteorigin_widget class="SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget"][/siteorigin_widget]

Believe 271 Foundation Sponsoring Requirement (Click to Download)

Thank you Waterville Fire Department for your $500 donation to the Believe 271 Foundation.

Thank you New York Mills FD for your $2,000 donation from your Indoor Clambake.

Lee Center Firefighter Donation [siteorigin_widget class="SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget"][/siteorigin_widget] Here is a donation we gave a Lee Center Firefighter. Tonight I had the honor to present a check from the Believe 271 foundation to Joe Baker of the Lee Center Fire Department to help him with his illness. We are thinking of you Joe and get well. No one fights alone. Also the Lee Center Fire Department held a fundraiser for us and also presented us a check for $1500.00.  Thank you Lee Center Fire Department. This will help us continue our mission. Great job!!! L to R James Rouiller Jr., President Bill Baker, Believe 271 Vice President Fred Sherman and Joe Baker.