Wes Chamberlain knows exactly how beneficial Give Every Child a Chance can be for the kids that need to utilize its services.
The lifelong Mantecan – who works as a Firefighter-Engineer for the City of Manteca – has been around the organization in some capacity since it was founded.
Now a board member for non-profit tutoring organization, Chamberlain remembers when his wife started working for the organization shortly after it was founded by the late Antone Raymus as a way to provide opportunities for kids struggling in school, and as such Chamberlain has seen the organization grow immensely ever since.
On Aug. 23  he’ll once again be at the helm of an annual partnership between the Manteca firefighters and GECAC at Applebee’s – where firefighters volunteer their own personal time between 5 and 9 p.m. to bar tend, wait tables and bus tables in exchange for a portion of the tips received that night that will go towards the non-profit.
It’s a simple gesture, Chamberlain said, but it’s something that will ultimately benefit a child and make a difference in their life that can’t be measured.
“It’s a program that I’ve seen grow to so many different sites and now so many different cities and that’s great because I know how much this can benefit the children that are involved with it,” Chamberlain said. “And this particular Tip-a-Firefighter event is great because as a firefighter it’s a chance to give back to the community and I know that this goes to a worthy cause that makes a difference.
“It’s the best of both worlds.”
And while the event brings in money that helps the operating expenses for the expanding organization, it also raises something that can’t be quantified or priced – awareness.
According to GECAC Vice President and HR Director Christina Keefhaver – who will step in and assume the role of CEO when Carol Davis retires at the end of the year – having an evening like the one planned at Applebee’s helps get the word out about what GECAC actually does and pulls in supporters that might not have already been behind their efforts. Sometimes it’s people passing through town, but other times it’s those that are looking for something to support and finding that their mission suits their tastes perfectly.
“It’s a chance to get out there in the community and let people know who we are and what it is that we’re doing,” Keefhaver said. “We’re so grateful for the ongoing support from the Manteca firefighters and Applebee’s, and this is something that continues to get the name out there and show that this organization isn’t just about the volunteers who work with the kids, but those who do what they can to help as well.
“We can put out fliers and we get the word out to the public about what it is that we’re doing, but when you get the chance to talk to somebody or show them what it is – especially when it has the backing of the firefighters and those who will be there that night – it goes a long way.”
The annual GECAC Tip-a-Firefighter Event will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Applebee’s – located at 1272 E. Yosemite Ave. For more information, or to find out how to support GECAC, call 209.825.7003.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.