A steady stream of community members stopped by the Hastings Public House and Golf Club on Sunday afternoon, March 29, for the third annual Hastings First Responders benefit, an event that mixed live music, raffles, snacks, and conversation with a shared purpose, supporting the people who serve the city every day.
Held from 1 to 4 p.m., the gathering had the relaxed feeling of an open house. Guests moved in and out, visited with neighbors, checked raffle tables, and listened to live music while enjoying beer, wine, soda, and light snacks. Door prizes and silent auction items added to the activity, with gift cards from area businesses drawing interest from attendees across the region.
Organizer Tatia Nelson said the benefit began three years ago following a tragedy in Burnsville and quickly grew into something the Hastings community wanted to continue.
“This is the third annual benefit that we have put on. It started three years ago when the three Burnsville got ambushed and we ended up doing a fundraiser for Adam Finseth and the two police officers over in Burnsville. And then we decided to keep doing it, because people wanted to support Hastings police and fire.”
Since then, the event has focused on helping local first responders meet needs that city budgets may not fully cover.
“So, we have continued to do that, and we have raised funds to support what the city funds necessarily can't support. Throughout the year, they don't necessarily get enough funds to support them, maybe changing out some old gear or some training, or, you know, equipment that they use on the daily stuff like that. We have them tell us what it needs to go towards.”
Funds raised through the benefit are directed with input from the departments themselves, ensuring the support meets real and immediate needs.
“They let us know how they're going to use it before we give it to them.”
Several sponsors helped make the afternoon possible, including Accelerated Technologies, Merit Electric, Moody Family Law, Radke and Mohrhauser, and the Hastings Golf Course, which donated the event space. The Frontline Foundation assisted with managing the funds connected to the effort.
Live music by Joe Pettits, performing from 2 to 4 p.m., added something new to this year’s program and drew positive reactions from guests. With sunshine and comfortable temperatures outside, the atmosphere inside matched the easygoing spring afternoon.
Attendees appeared to appreciate both the setting and the purpose behind the event.
“Everybody's just in a good mood and happy. It's sunny out, and people are just happy to be here and support our first responders.”
Local firefighters also noted the importance of ongoing community backing. Assistant Fire Chief Chris Paulson said donations from events like this often support equipment purchases or wellness efforts for firefighters.
“Every year it's a little different with what we identify as our needs, and we try to put it towards something that benefits the firefighters, either physical health or mental health or a piece of equipment that we identify that we need.”
Despite the pleasant weather, turnout remained strong throughout the afternoon.
“I thought the weather being nice would have lowered the attendance, but I think it was busier this year than last year.”
For organizers and attendees alike, the event offered a simple but meaningful way to say thank you, while strengthening a tradition that continues to grow each year.