SERVPRO Franchisees Smash Fundraising Record for First Responders Children’s Foundation

$185,000 raised during 57th Annual SERVPRO Convention

Gallatin, Tennessee, Aug. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SERVPRO franchisees set a new fundraising record of $185,000 during the 57^th Annual SERVPRO Convention for the First Responders Children’s Foundation, almost doubling last year’s $100,000 total. The proceeds were raised through a variety of events, including its annual golf tournament, trade show silent auction, and the Orange Heart Collective brunch event.

The Orange Heart Collective is a women-led philanthropic group made up of members of the SERVPRO franchise system. The brunch contributed the most to the fundraising total, raising more than $75,000 for FRCF. The group raised an additional $43,000 by auctioning several unique items and experiences, such as Ed Sheeran concert tickets, a custom collector bourbon package from Buffalo Trace Distillery, and tickets to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City as special FRCF guests.

“The SERVPRO community strives to make a difference for first responders and their families,” said John Sooker, CEO of Servpro Industries, LLC. “We are proud to stand beside our partners in support of the First Responders Children’s Foundation and grateful to the Orange Heart Collective for going above and beyond in showing that we advocate for the children of first responders.”

This year’s golf tournament for First Responders Children’s Foundation was held at Maderas Golf Club, one of California’s top courses, and raised more than $37,000. Franchisees were able to meet with FRCF Student Scholarship recipient, Isabella Sevilla, the daughter of a retired San Diego Sheriff’s officer. Isabella is a first-generation college student pursuing law school. Sarah Schmelzel, SERVPRO-sponsored LPGA professional golfer, donated a round of golf with her and three others for the Orange Heart Collective brunch. 

A silent auction at the Trade Show added more than $30,000 to the total.

 

Two franchises named Partners of the Year

The FRCF Franchise Partners of the Year were recognized during Awards Night at the SERVPRO Convention – SERVPRO Team Olson (Colorado) and SERVPRO Team SPG (California) – for their efforts and support over the course of the year.

“We are proud to acknowledge the SERVPRO franchisees whose generosity and commitment help strengthen support for first responder families nationwide,” said FRCF President & CEO Jillian Crane. “SERVPRO continues to set an example through its dedication to helping communities recover and rebuild. Whether responding to fire damage, severe weather events, supporting families after a line-of-duty loss, or building bridges between first responders and children in their communities, they consistently lead with action and passion. Together, our partnership is creating a lasting impact nationwide.”  

SERVPRO has been a committed partner to the First Responders Children’s Foundation since 2021. Not only does SERVPRO go above and beyond in fundraising efforts, but they also help provide stability and security to the families of firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers.

SERVPRO also helps provide emergency assistance grants to first responder families displaced by natural disasters through the Natural Disaster Relief Program. Following this initiative, they host appreciation events to help supply essentials and toys to affected communities.

 

About First Responders Children’s Foundation

First Responders Children’s Foundation is a national foundation that provides programs and resources that address the specific needs of first responders and their families. The Foundation focuses on four key areas: scholarships, financial assistance grants, a mental health resilience program, and community engagement. The Foundation was founded 25 years ago in response to 9/11 when 800 children lost a first responder parent. Additional information about FRCF can be found at www.1stRCF.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @1strcf.

 

About Orange Heart Collective

The Orange Heart Collective is a women-led, purpose-driven initiative within the SERVPRO franchise system built on one simple belief: relationships are powerful when they’re put into action. It is a modern collective that takes the strength of existing friendships, leadership, and shared resources—and turns them into focused, meaningful impact, one project at a time. This group was created for the incredible women of SERVPRO who lead with heart, strength, and a passion for helping others. The Orange Heart Collective is all about joining forces, lifting one another up, and making a meaningful impact in the communities they serve every day.

 

About SERVPRO^®

For more than 55 years, SERVPRO has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, construction, mold mitigation, biohazard and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 2,400 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Attachments

• Orange Heart Collective brunch raises $75,000 for FRCF
• Scholarship presented to a first responder's child

Roy Adcock
Servpro Industries, LLC
615-451-0200
rladcock@servpronet.com