BRADENTON BEACH – On Saturday, Sept 12, Island Time Bar & Grill and Bridge Street Bistro will continue its tradition of honoring first responders and past and present military personal with the Never Forget 5th Annual 9/11 Fundraiser.

“This is our fifth year hosting this event. We don’t ever want to forget what happened on that day in 2001,” owner Bill Herlihy said.

The Never Forget event will take place downstairs at Island Time, 111 Gulf Dr. in Bradenton Beach, from noon until 4 p.m.

All EMT, police, active and retired military, firefighters and other first responders with a valid ID will receive a complimentary all you can eat American-style buffet featuring barbeque ribs, chicken wings, burgers, hot dogs, baked beans, macaroni and potato salads, beer, wine and soft drinks.

As a fundraising mechanism, the buffet will also be available to the general public for $15, when tickets are purchased in advance, and for $20, when purchased the day of the event. Drink specials will also be offered.

Sponsored in part by The Sun, proceeds will benefit Manatee County Emergency Service Memorial Fund. Last year’s event raised more than $3,000.

“We all need to stand united as Americans, having pride in our country, our active and retired military personnel, our first responders and our local police, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics. We want to thank them and let them know how much we appreciate them,” Herlihy said.

The events of Sept. 11, were the deadliest incident in American history for firefighters and law enforcement officers, with 343 firefighters 72 law enforcement officers killed.

The Never Forget fundraiser will feature live music from True Blue, a local band consisting of Manatee County firefighters.

There will be a 50/50 raffle and silent and live auctions. The grand auction prize will be a Bridge Street Excursion valued at $800. The grand prize package includes a two-night stay at the BridgeWalk Resort, dinner for four at the Bridge Street Bistro and a one hour sunset portrait photography session.

Additional auction items will be provided by local businesses and restaurants, including those that are members of the Bridge Street Merchants association.

This year’s event will also a feature an increased focus on children’s activities.

“A lot of these kids weren’t even born when the 9/11 tragedies happened 14 years ago, so this is a chance to make them aware. We also want to provide a public service by offering an educational program. In the lot across the street there will be a fire engine and firefighters, an ambulance and the Bradenton Beach Police boat,” Herlihy said.

“They’ll be giving out stickers, fire hats and educational material; and the kids will get to meet the firefighters in their gear. It’s important for kids to know that in case of an emergency the firefighters are there to help. Young kids in a dark, smoky, disorienting situation might be scared when they see a firefighter coming toward them wearing a mask, oxygen tank and full bunker gear. We want them to know these are their friends,” he explained.

The children’s activities will also include games, complimentary face painting, cotton candy, and water balloons.

For advance tickets stop by Island Time or call 941-782-1122. You can also visit Island Time and Bridge Street Bistro on Facebook and at www.islandtimebarandgrill.com.