Nine Year Old Raises Over $1000

When Joey Roman heard his father’s company, Quality 1^st Basement Systems, was participating in Aberdeen Day he knew it was an opportunity to do something great for the community.  He suggested Quality 1^st sponsor a petting zoo and use the venue to raise funds for Cliffwood Firefighters. Joey then created the “Fill the Boot” campaign. He designed signs and sent a request to the fire company for boots he could place around the petting zoo to collect donations. 

Bwana Jim, a wildlife expert, was hired and brought exotic birds, foxes, goats, and many other friendly animals to meet the kids. Joey added to the animal menagerie by bringing his own collection of chickens and ducks.  Drawing on his extensive 4-H experience, Joey shared his knowledge on the care and raising of these animals and spent time fielding questions from the crowd.

The “Fill the Boot” campaign was a great success. When Joey counted the donations, they totaled over a $1000.00.  Soon after, Joey and his father Tom paid a visit to the Cliffwood Fire Department to present the check. The volunteer firefighters were impressed at the ingenuity of nine-year-old Joey and the success of Quality 1^st Basement Systems “Fill the Boot” campaign for firefighters.

When asked about the petting zoo, Tom Roman, owner of Quality 1st Basement Systems, said, “I’m very proud of my son and how he took the initiative to help create a wonderful day for the kids and the ‘Fill the Boot’ campaign for our firefighters. He did a great job.”

Volunteers from Cliffwood Fire Department stopped by Quality 1^st Basement Systems main office to personally thank Tom and Joey for their efforts.  Quality 1^st Basement Systems is proud to be a part of the Aberdeen community and thankful for the firefighters and EMS workers who risk their lives to keep us safe.