Supported Charities
Our charitable programs
Every year, Tucson Fire Fighters Association Local 479 proudly gives back to Southern Arizona through a variety of signature events, charitable programs, and community initiatives. From supporting local families and honoring first responders to raising funds for important causes, these events reflect our ongoing commitment to serving the community both on and off the job.
The Mark Paris Golf Tournament is an annual charity event hosted by the Tucson Firefighters Association, celebrating camaraderie, community, and a shared commitment to giving back. Named in honor of Mark Paris, a dedicated firefighter and community advocate, this event brings together golfers of all skill levels for a day of fun and fundraising to support the Southern Arizona Disabled Firefighters Foundation (SADFF).
What is the Mark Paris Golf Tournament?
This event features a scramble-format golf tournament held at one of Tucson's premier courses, Omni Tucson National. Teams compete in a friendly atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to win prizes, participate in raffles, and enjoy a day of connection and fun. The event also includes special activities, like an online gun auction, adding excitement for participants and spectators alike.
Why We Do It
The tournament raises funds for Southern Arizona Disabled Firefighters Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to firefighters, first responders, and their families during times of need. By participating, you're not just enjoying a day of golf—you're making a meaningful impact by supporting those who serve and protect our community.
Event Highlights
- Golf Tournament: Play in a scramble-format game perfect for players of all experience levels.
- Prizes and Raffles: Take part in raffles and win incredible prizes donated by community partners.
- Special Auctions: Participate in the online gun auction and other activities designed to boost fundraising efforts.
- Community Atmosphere: Spend a day connecting with Tucson firefighters, first responders, and supporters in a welcoming environment.
- Fundraising: Proceeds from the tournament directly benefit the SADFF, empowering it to continue its vital mission.
The Mark Paris Golf Tournament is a unique opportunity to enjoy a great day of golf, connect with your community, and support a cause that makes a real difference in the lives of first responders and their families. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just out for a good time, this event is the perfect blend of fun and philanthropy. Join us on the greens to make a positive impact!
Bringing Holiday Joy to Our Community
At the Tucson Firefighters Association, we are proud to host our annual Toy Drive, a heartfelt effort to ensure every child in our community experiences the joy and magic of the holiday season. With the support of our generous neighbors, we collect and distribute toys to families who need a little extra help this time of year.
What is the Toy Drive?
Our Toy Drive is a collaborative effort where firefighters, local businesses, and community members join forces to collect new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages. These toys are distributed to families in need, bringing holiday cheer to kids who might otherwise go without. The event is more than just a collection—it's a celebration of giving and togetherness.
Why We Do It
As firefighters, we are committed to serving our community in every way we can. The holidays can be a challenging time for many families, and our Toy Drive is our way of making sure every child feels the joy and excitement of the season. It's about spreading smiles, fostering hope, and giving back to the community that supports us year-round.
Event Highlights
- Toy Collection: We encourage the donation of new, unwrapped toys at drop-off locations or during the event.
- Community Impact: Your generosity directly benefits children and families in need across Tucson.
- Holiday Fun: Our Toy Drive events feature a festive atmosphere with music, crafts, and appearances by Santa himself.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Join us in making a difference by volunteering your time to help collect, organize, or distribute toys.
- Giving Back Together: Every donation makes a difference, helping to create unforgettable holiday memories for kids in our community.
The Toy Drive is more than just a tradition—it's a reflection of the spirit of Tucson. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for families in need and ensure no child is left without a reason to smile. Thank you for helping us bring joy to the children of our community!
Sharing the Spirit of Giving
The Thanksgiving Food Boxes event is an annual tradition organized by the Tucson Firefighters Association to ensure families in need can enjoy a warm and festive Thanksgiving meal. With the help of dedicated volunteers and community support, we assemble and distribute food boxes filled with holiday essentials to bring joy and comfort to those who need it most.
What is the Thanksgiving Food Boxes Event?
This cherished event sees firefighters, their families, and community members come together to pack and deliver food boxes to local families. Each box contains all the ingredients for a hearty Thanksgiving meal, ensuring everyone in our community can share in the spirit of the holiday.
Why We Do It
Thanksgiving is a time to come together and give thanks, but for many families, it can be a challenging season. The Thanksgiving Food Boxes event allows us to give back to our community and help those who may be struggling to celebrate the holiday. By providing these meals, we aim to ensure no family goes without during this special time of year.
Event Highlights
- Community Volunteerism: Join Tucson firefighters and other volunteers as we pack and prepare food boxes for distribution.
- Family Support: Each box is thoughtfully curated with all the essentials for a Thanksgiving meal, offering a helping hand to families in need.
- Teamwork in Action: Experience the camaraderie and community spirit as everyone works together to make the holiday brighter for others.
- Direct Impact: See the tangible difference your efforts and donations make in the lives of local families.
The Thanksgiving Food Boxes event is more than just packing meals—it's about sharing hope and gratitude. By joining us, you help make the season special for families who might otherwise go without. Together, we can make Thanksgiving a time of joy and togetherness for everyone in our community.
14th Annual Tucson Firefighter Ball
May 31, 2025 | 5:30 PM
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort
3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745
Join us for a formal evening celebrating our fire service family, community partners, and local businesses. The night kicks off with happy hour and a silent auction, followed by dinner, a live auction, late-night toast, and dancing.
Tickets: $125 each | Table for 10: $1,250
Reserve your seat now at TucsonFireBall.com
A Spicy Tradition for a Worthy Cause
The Tucson Firefighters Chili Cook-Off is one of the Tucson Firefighters Association's most cherished annual events, combining community, fun, and charity. For over two decades, this family-friendly gathering has brought together firefighters, local businesses, and community members to enjoy delicious chili recipes prepared by Tucson's bravest. The event is more than just a culinary competition—it's a day filled with entertainment, camaraderie, and giving back, with proceeds supporting a variety of TFFA charitable programs that uplift families and individuals in need.
What is the Chili Cook-Off?
The Chili Cook-Off invites the community to taste and vote for their favorite chili recipes crafted by Tucson firefighters. Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere with music, activities for all ages, and plenty of opportunities to connect with local heroes.
Why We Do It
The Chili Cook-Off plays a vital role in raising funds for TFFA's charitable initiatives, including Thanksgiving food boxes for families, youth programs, and community outreach efforts. It's not just about the chili—it's about making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Event Highlights
- Chili Tasting: Enjoy a variety of firefighter-made chili recipes and vote for your favorite.
- Live Entertainment: Groove to live music performances throughout the day.
- Family Activities: Take part in games and activities perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Raffle Prizes: Win exciting items generously donated by local businesses.
- Merchandise Sales: Support TFFA by purchasing event-exclusive merchandise.
The Tucson Firefighters Chili Cook-Off is a flavorful way to unite the community while supporting important causes that strengthen Tucson. It's an event rooted in tradition, charity, and fun for everyone!
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The Tucson Firefighters Association (TFFA) invites you to join us for our annual Fetch Food for The Fallen event, where our firefighters trade their gear for aprons to serve alongside the staff at Frog & Firkin. This unique gathering combines great food, live music, and community spirit to support TFFA's charitable initiatives.
What is Fetch Food for The Fallen?
Fetch Food for The Fallen is a special event where Tucson firefighters volunteer as servers at Frog & Firkin, a local restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere. Throughout the event, all tips and donations collected by our firefighter servers are dedicated to funding TFFA's various charitable programs, including mental health awareness and support for families of fallen firefighters.
Why We Do It
This event allows us to connect with the community in a relaxed, family-friendly setting while raising funds for important causes. By stepping into the role of servers, we aim to foster camaraderie and show our commitment to serving Tucson both on and off duty. The funds raised help sustain TFFA's charitable efforts, ensuring we can continue to support those in need throughout the year.
Event Highlights
- Live Music: Enjoy performances from local bands, adding to the festive atmosphere.
- Raffle Prizes: Participate in raffles for a chance to win exciting prizes donated by community partners.
- Merchandise: Purchase exclusive TFFA merchandise, with proceeds supporting our charitable programs.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Bring the whole family for an evening of good food, entertainment, and community spirit.
By attending Fetch Food for The Fallen, you're not only enjoying a great meal and entertainment but also contributing to causes that make a significant impact in our community. We look forward to serving you and working together to support those who serve and protect us every day.
The Fire Fighter Charities funds the Adopt-a-Family program, which provides food to thousands of families throughout our community at the holidays. It also provides clothes and toys to hundreds of children at Christmas.
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The Tucson Firefighters Association is proud to host our annual Fill The Boot campaign, a time-honored tradition dedicated to supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Every year, our firefighters take to the streets and community events with boots in hand, inviting the public to contribute to this life-changing cause.
What is Fill The Boot?
Fill The Boot is a grassroots fundraising effort led by firefighters across the nation. Our members ask for small donations from our community, which together make a significant impact. The event symbolizes our commitment to not just serve in emergencies but to also help fight devastating diseases like muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular conditions.
Why We Do It
For over 65 years, firefighters have partnered with MDA because we believe in their mission: to transform the lives of those affected by neuromuscular diseases through research, treatments, and support. The funds raised during Fill The Boot provide critical resources for groundbreaking research, support services, and life-enhancing programs for families affected by these diseases.
The Importance of Raising Money for MDA
Every dollar collected during Fill The Boot goes directly to MDA, supporting innovations in medical research that lead to better treatments and, one day, a cure. The funds also help provide children and adults living with muscular dystrophy opportunities to attend MDA Summer Camps, gain access to medical equipment, and connect with a network of care and support.
By participating in Fill The Boot, you're helping us ensure that no family fights alone. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Your generosity fuels hope and progress—thank you for helping us make it happen.