'Helping The Helpers': Businesses, Supporters Rally Around Nonprofit Project Fire Buddies In Time Of Need

TINLEY PARK, IL — A nonprofit often recognized for its superhero-esque efforts found recently found themselves in need of their own rescue.

Project Fire Buddies, a locally-based nonprofit fueled by firefighter volunteerism, has sent ripples of support out to children battling critical illness and their families. Started in 2016, the organization partners with local chapters to bring comfort, fun, support and companionship to their "fire buddies." The now not-so-small and very mighty organization has expanded to more than 175 chapters in more than a dozen states. The nonprofit's 1,200+ volunteers have impacted more than 750 children, with $5 million gifted to support and uplift families, according to its website.

CEO Kurt DeGroot knows that its work has left a lasting impression on the communities it's touched, but still he couldn't have expected what would happen when the organization faced failing HVAC units at its Tinley Park headquarters. Both units were only half-functional, DeGroot said. As summer heat was expected to bear down, it was critical the units be replaced.

"This was a different role for us—we are usually the ones who sweep in and solve the problem," DeGroot said. "Now it’s full-circle, where we need some help. We need some help so we can keep doing the things that we’re doing."

Estimates came in between $30,000 and $40,000, numbers that made DeGroot's head spin.

"That’s a lot of XBoxes and PlayStation 5's that we could buy for kids," DeGroot said. "A lot of water park weekends at Great Wolf Lodge that we could buy for families.

"It was making us nauseous."

Project Fire Buddies Chief Financial Officer Danielle Abendroth jumped into action, brainstorming ways to get the units replaced affordably.

"She asked if I had any referrals for an HVAC company because the previous quotes came in between $30,000 & $40,000," said Ashley Zaborac, of counseling and psychiatry services group Doreen A. Zaborac & Associates, Inc.

"Not only did I know an HVAC guy, but I knew the perfect one for the job."

Zaborac contacted Rob Bogda, owner of Zark Heating & Cooling.

"Rob is the kind of guy and business owner who will move heaven and earth to take care of people in their time of need," Zaborac said. "Whether it's working overtime to get a single mother's furnace working on Christmas Eve night or networking to get a roof replaced for a family who found themselves struggling with health issues, Rob is someone who makes things happen."

Replacement needed to happen fast, as the office serves as the organization's operations hub, DeGroot said.

"Ninety-eight percent of our mission happens in this office," he said. "We need to make sure everything is happening correctly, and we’re running very lean. All the things we sell, the fundraising, the things we do, goes back to the mission, which is what’s important.

"We host families, chapters here. This is where we bring on the new chapters, where we onboard all the new families, order everything for the new families. Our warehouse is here, too—all the swag. Every new family gets a whole big swag package, every new chapter gets a swag package. It’s a well-oiled machine, that just needs to keep going. Every portion of what we do.

"It’s the mothership."

DeGroot had tried to find a fix himself, to no avail.

"I tried to YouTube everything to see if we could figure it out, fix it on our own," DeGroot said. "Turns out we can’t."

Bogda visited the office and confirmed that both units had reached the end of their service life and were beyond repair. DeGroot had already done his homework and obtained two additional estimates, confirming replacement was the only option, Bogda said.

He decided on the spot to donate the labor—he'd pay his crew, but not charge the organization.

"Rob was on a mission to make sure that PFB's resources could be allocated toward their buddies rather than on an HVAC system," Zaborac said. "It's difficult not to be inspired by Rob's generosity, along with the fact that PFB is a wonderful organization that helps so many families in our local communities and across the country."

The decision to help was instantaneous for Bogda.

"Project Fire Buddies has been changing lives in our community for years," he said. "They've brought hope, joy, and unforgettable memories to children battling serious illnesses—including children right in my own neighborhood. When an organization that spends every day helping others suddenly needed help themselves, there was no question—we had to find a way."

He then contacted his equipment supplier Trane, looking to secure the materials at a discount.

"Without hesitation, Trane stepped up in a huge way, providing both rooftop units at an incredible discounted cost because they believed in the mission of Project Fire Buddies," Bogda said.

Then came financial contributions: Kevin Molloy from State Farm donated $1,000, Ramzi Hassan from Edwards Reality donated $1,000, Kevin Gerardy from KG Concrete donated $500, and Doreen Zaborac from Doreen A. Zaborac & Associates donated $7,500.

"These stories—you might get somebody who does something nice, something great," DeGroot said. "Stories like this don’t happen very often, where so many people are playing such a large role in this and stepping up to the plate.

"They just cared about doing the right thing for the kids that we serve. Not all superheroes wear capes. Usually we’re the ones doing these things. For this to happen, and come back to us, is very humbling."

Just as the pieces were falling into place, another obstacle. The machine Bogda had reserved to move the heavy rooftop units to the rear of the building broke down the day before delivery. Calls were made all over town searching for another machine, but none were available.

With the new units arriving the next morning, time was running out. Bogda made one last phone call—to his older brother, Rich.

"Without asking questions, without hesitation, Rich loaded up his equipment and showed up ready to help," Bogda said.

Within just a few hours, both new Trane rooftop units were set in place, installed, programmed, started up, and running perfectly.

Project Fire Buddies could get back to doing what they do best—bringing hope to children and families who need it most.

This project wasn't about one company.
It wasn't about recognition.
It wasn't about advertising.
It was about neighbors helping neighbors.

It was about businesses setting competition aside to support something much bigger than themselves.

To everyone who donated, volunteered, discounted equipment, gave their time, or simply answered the phone when help was needed...

Thank you.

Rob Bogda, owner of Zark Heating & Cooling

"This is what community looks like," Bogda said. "This is what happens when good people come together for an incredible cause."

DeGroot said he's deeply touched by all the ways businesses and people gave back to the organization when they most needed it.

"When helpers help the helpers, that’s the crazy thing," he said. "It’s an awkward feeling. Usually you’re the one looking to solve the problem, and now we’re the ones with our hand out.

"We were in desperate need. ... Just shows the more good you put out into the world, the more that comes back to you. It shows the ripple effect of what our team actually achieves. All of these people stepped up because of the work we’re doing —it means we’re doing the right things.

"Not all superheroes wear capes. These people showed it."