About three years ago, first responders were called to the scene of an accident on Little Britain Road, just down the street from Britain Hill Venue and Winery. Debbie Helm, the owner of the venue, witnessed EMTs, firefighters and police officers rush to the location. Helm recalled the tragic outcome of the accident, which resulted in multiple injuries and deaths, but also remembered the courage of the emergency personnel who responded. "It was very traumatic for those first responders. We could see (the accident) from our winery, and it made me realize what they endure every day," Helm said.

Not long after the accident, Helm's husband was in an accident on their property. She was amazed by the prompt response they received after calling 911, and she began to think of ways that Britain Hill could support local first responders. Shortly after, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Helm decided to develop a new wine called Southern End Love. For each bottle that was purchased, Britain Hill donated $1 each to four local emergency service organizations: the Robert Fulton Fire Company, Quarryville Fire Company, Wakefield EMS and the Quarryville Police Foundation. The proceeds from the wine sales assisted with a variety of the organizations' expenses during a time when they couldn't host their regular fundraisers.

Helm organized the First Responders Appreciation Night at Britain Hill to announce the release of Southern End Love and to garner support for first responders. It was held as soon as pandemic-related restrictions were lifted, and Helm has continued the tradition every year since.

This year, the First Responders Appreciation Night will take place on Saturday, July 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free event will include live music, food trucks, activities for kids and interactive demonstrations from emergency personnel. Members of the Robert Fulton Fire Company and the Quarryville Fire Company will offer tours of their fire engines and present a rescue demonstration. EMTs from the Wakefield EMS will provide CPR demonstrations and educate attendees on the types of equipment that they use on call. The event will also include prize drawings to raise additional funds for each organization. "It's a fundraiser, a show of appreciation and a way to spread awareness all in one," Helm said.

Inside the venue, local vendors, artisans and small businesses will sell their wares. Each merchant pays a fee to reserve a space, which adds to the amount that Britain Hill donates to first responders.

Britain Hill hosts a variety of other events throughout the year that benefit nonprofits in the community. On Saturday, Sept. 30, the winery will host a function to benefit local animal rescues. Participating organizations will offer information on equine therapy, raise awareness of puppy mills and dog fighting and seek homes to adopt rescued pets.

For more information on Britain Hill's community fundraisers, visit http://www.britainhillvenueandvineyard.com.