Fan Drive 2019: BBQ, fans, and a strong community

Friday, July 26 was a fan-tastic day: Employees from Blackwell Regional Hospital, the Blackwell Fire Department, and Big Time BBQ came together to help local citizens “beat the heat” by holding a “fan drive” to collect and distribute new fans to those in need.
The drive was held at BRH from 11 a.m – 2 p.m.

Blackwell citizens were encouraged to donate fans in order to receive a raffle ticket. Donors also had a chance to win a Walmart gift card and a gift card from Big Time BBQ.
In total, 68 fans were donated during the drive. Alysa Pressnall won the Big Time BBQ gift card, and BancFirst donated their “winnings” for the day back to the community.

The fans will be distributed with the help of local firefighters.


Big Time BBQ's owner and head chef, Cody Easley, had been 'following' the progress of the drive. He said through Facebook that “Blackwell came in 'big time!'” He added that he was “blown away with the giving hearts of Blackwell!”

Tammy Parr with BRH said the results of the drive were “beyond our expectations.”
“I think we had predicted – at most – 20 fans or so.

But the citizens, businesses, and organizations from Blackwell and Ponca City came together in such a tremendous way,” she said. 
“The threat for heat exhaustion and exposure is high for a lot of Blackwell citizens on a fixed income – and for the elderly, who may keep their air conditioners on 75 - 80 degrees to avoid the high cost of bills in the summer,” Parr said. “A fan can provide relief without racking up electric costs. It's these people that we've collected the fans for, and it is these people that the Blackwell Fire Department and EMS can look out for. They see who is in need. Above all, we don't want to deny anyone safety and relief from the heat.
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“It is important to us at Blackwell Regional Hospital that we provide the same quality care not just to our patients, but to the community of Blackwell as a whole,” Parr said.


Tim Rutledge, deputy chief of the Blackwell Fire Department, noted that the fans are available “while supplies last.” Those who wish to receive one should call the Blackwell Fire Department at 580-363-5490.