Above the Ashes Family Fire Prevention Event & Children's Book Launch

Welcome to the Above the Ashes Book Launch & Family Fire Prevention Event! Join us at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery - West Creek on Monday, October 21, 2024 for a day filled with valuable information and fun activities for the whole family.

This event is inspired by the real-life experience of Hanover Fire Lieutenant Colin Bunn and his family. On April 27, 2023 they lost their entire Hanover home, possessions and pets to a fire.

The book Above the Ashes tells the story of the two Bunn siblings, Jilly and Charlie, who, through faith and the support of their community, navigate the challenges of this devastating fire. Join Jilly and Charlie on their inspiring journey as they rise above the ashes and discover that light can appear even in the darkest times.

This event is more than just a book launch; The Bunn family wanted this to be an opportunity to educate families and kids on the critical importance of fire safety and prevention plus family insurance must-knows. This event will feature engaging activities for children, including face painting, a coloring station, a photo booth, Kona Ice and the chance to meet and interact with real-life Fire & EMS heroes.

Event Schedule:

5:00 PM:
Registration Opens with Food Trucks and Activities for Kids & Families
Kick off the evening with a variety of food trucks offering delicious options for the whole family. While you enjoy your meal, kids can participate in fun activities, including face painting, coloring station, a photo booth, and more. They will have the opportunity to meet and interact with real-life Fire & EMS heroes and explore different fire trucks and gear!

6:15 PM:
Event Kick-Off
Hosted by Emcee Jennifer B. Huffman, SVP Solutions Banking at Atlantic Union Bank

• Book Reading by Author Casey Burke Bunn and Colin Bunn
  Experience a heartfelt reading of Above the Ashes, a story of resilience and hope inspired by the Bunn family's journey after a devastating house fire.
• Fire Safety Essentials & Live Firefighter Gear Demonstration
  Get invaluable fire prevention tips and witness a live demo of firefighter gear in action. Presented by Jamie Potter, Battalion Chief for City of Richmond Fire, Jeffrey Potter, Assistant Fire Chief for Fluvanna County, and Justin Gibson, Director of Operations for Stop Loss.
• Protecting Your Family's Future: Essential Insurance Insights & Actionable Steps
  Learn the crucial insurance coverage every family needs to protect against unforeseen disasters. This session, led by Michael Brand, LUTCF, Principal at Spherient Insurance, and Adam Brookshire, CIC, CPIA, CISR, Senior Field Sales Rep for VA, Utica National Insurance Group, will arm you with the knowledge to safeguard your home and loved ones.

• Register by October 7th to receive a FREE Kona Ice voucher to use at the event! One per person, per registration.
• All first-responder families will receive one FREE book, while supplies last. One per family.

All proceeds from the event will benefit a nonprofit organization. Please stay tuned for details.

This is a FREE event, but registration is required. During registration, you’ll have the option to purchase your copy of Above the Ashes to be picked up at the event.

We are also seeking businesses and organizationa interested in sponsoring this event. Sponsorships offer a wonderful opportunity to gain brand visibility while supporting a meaningful cause. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Jenny Toomey, CMP, Event & Marketing Consultant, at .

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery - West Creek, 820 Sanctuary Trail Drive, Richmond, United States