A Night of Remembrance dinner was hosted out of the Holiday Inn’s Fireside Grill last Tuesday, July 23, welcoming Prescott Fire Chief Dan Fraijo and honoring the 19 fallen Granite Mountain Hotshots.

In total, more than $5,400 was raised for the families of the fallen firefighters.

A night of music, food and special presentations, Holiday Inn general manager Gary Lvov organized the event with the help of local volunteer Marilyn Higgins.

“Marilyn was a driving force for this event,” Lvov said.

“I literally couldn’t have done it without her.”

Lvov continued to shower praise on those who helped run and attend the event, stating that the entire evening was a huge success demonstrating the generosity of Fountain Hills and, hopefully, providing the smallest amount of comfort to those most affected by the loss of the 19 hotshots.

As part of the event, Holiday Inn President Sheila Overall and Sysco Foods donated the dinner while AmeriPride Linen donated the napkins, etc.

There was no cover for the event, though visitors were asked to consider making a donation to The 100 Club to help support the families of those lost in the recent fire. By the end of the evening, the packed house brought in more than $5,400.

With more than 200 in attendance, the Night of Remembrance played host to local residents, loads of state and local dignitaries, out of state visitors, as well as local firefighters eager to share their support.

Jim Doeden kept the music flowing through dinner, leading into a somber, yet positive evening of speeches and presentations.

“Greater love has no one than this…than to lay down one’s life for his friends,” quoted Lvov during the presentation.

“These 19 fallen heroes did exactly that. They considered all the residents of Yarnell their friends.”