Qlarant Associate Raises Funds for the Local Fire Department

posted on August 28, 2025 by Amanda Neal

 

Success Stories Logo

Qlarant IT System Administrator Debbie Handley has been recognized for her work with the Linkwood Volunteer Fire Department as a part of the Qlarant Connects program. Through the Qlarant Connects program, Qlarant Foundation provides a philanthropic donation in support of full-time Qlarant Associates who volunteer their free time with nonprofits in their local communities.

Ms. Handley has been a member of the organization for eight years and is currently the Chair of one of the fundraising committees as well as the Assistant Treasurer of the fire company. “We are a volunteer fire company, meaning we raise money to fund the company,” said Handley.

Debbie Handley with Fire Chief Sonny Willey
Qlarant Volunteer Debbie Handley with Fire Chief Sonny Willey

“We do get some money from the State and County, but not enough for the expenses we incur throughout the year. We do Chicken BBQ’s each month except for two months in the heat of the summer. These BBQ’s help us with funds for our fire department to pay for costs of operating, equipment, turn out gear. Anything for our day-to-day business. Our Chicken BBQ’s have been our biggest fundraiser. We do other fundraising like raffles, yard sales, Oyster and Soup Day, and now we are working on our 2nd Annual Golf Tournament.”

Qlarant Connects logo

The fire department will use the funds from Qlarant Connects to defray costs such as electric bills, dumpster pick up, propane, and other operating costs. “I am very excited that the Foundation is giving matching funds providing employees the ability to submit for volunteerism. Anything we receive is always appreciated and helpful.”

 

about the author

Amanda Neal is Executive Director of the Qlarant Foundation. Ms. Neal has experience executing multi-million dollar, capital fundraising campaigns, designing and implementing donor stewardship programs and managing system-wide patient feedback programs.

Let's Talk About Solutions

How can Qlarant help you improve quality and program performance?