Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Vargas.
Hi Meghan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been passionate about community impact and mission-driven work, which is what first drew me to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation nearly 17 years ago. I earned my B.S. in Communication along with a Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of North Florida, and early in my career I knew I wanted to be part of an organization that made a tangible difference in people’s lives.
I started with the Foundation and had the opportunity to work directly with grant recipients and public safety organizations across the country. That experience gave me a firsthand look at the incredible work first responders do every day and the challenges many departments face when it comes to securing critical lifesaving equipment and resources.
Over the years, I’ve grown with the organization, now serving as Director of Development. In my current role, I help increase donations and awareness through fundraising campaigns, public relations efforts, special events and strategic partnerships that support the Foundation’s mission.
What has kept me passionate about this work is seeing the direct impact the Foundation has on communities nationwide. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of an organization where you can see the real-world impact every single day. Whether it’s helping a small rural fire department receiving equipment they otherwise couldn’t afford or supporting disaster relief efforts after a major emergency, the work is deeply meaningful and continues to inspire me after all these years.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When the pandemic hit, Firehouse Subs restaurant dining rooms had to close. Our Foundation felt a level of uncertainty as about 70% of the funds we raise came from guests eating at Firehouse Subs restaurants. We had to look at ways to pivot how we reach guests and how we continue to engage with donors. We setup a COVID-19 restricted fund to support those on the front line of the pandemic and facilitated multiple “feed the frontline” fundraising campaigns.
While the pandemic created significant operational and fundraising obstacles, it also reinforced the purpose behind our mission. We persevered because we understood that first responders were facing unprecedented challenges and needed support more than ever. The experience demonstrated the resilience of the Foundation, our restaurants, donors and communities nationwide, all of whom came together to continue supporting the people who protect and serve others every day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina by Firehouse Subs founders Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen. After traveling to Mississippi to provide meals to first responders and survivors impacted by the storm, they returned home knowing they wanted to do more to support the people who dedicate their lives to protecting others. That experience led to the creation of the Foundation and its mission to strengthen the lifesaving capabilities of local heroes and the communities they serve.
Today, the Foundation supports first responders and public safety organizations across the country by funding lifesaving equipment, training, prevention education and disaster relief resources. Over the past 20 years, the Foundation has awarded thousands of grants totaling more than $107 million in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. These grants directly impact local communities by helping fire departments, law enforcement agencies, EMS organizations access critical equipment and resources they need to save lives.
What sets the Foundation apart is its direct, community impact. Funds raised through Firehouse Subs restaurants are reinvested into communities nationwide to help provide lifesaving equipment and support safety initiatives where they are needed most. Any public safety organization in the U.S. can apply for funding through the Foundation’s website, making the support accessible to departments and agencies of all sizes.
We are most proud of the real-world difference these grants make every day. The Foundation’s mission has always centered on helping first responders save lives and return home safely after every call.
Any big plans?
Big picture, our ultimate goal at the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is to reach a point where we never have to deny a grant request from a public safety organization in need. Every day, we hear from first responders and public safety organizations across the country that need critical lifesaving equipment or resources to better protect their communities.
As we look toward the future, we are constantly exploring new ways to expand fundraising efforts, strengthen strategic partnerships and increase community engagement so we can continue supporting even more first responders nationwide. The demand for funding continues to grow as departments face rising equipment costs, staffing challenges and increasing public safety needs.
We will continue to look for new ways to get us closer to that goal of never denying a grant. But looking ahead this year, I’m looking forward to this year’s Firehouse Subs Open Golf Tournament at TPC Sawgrass, which is one of our signature fundraising events. This event brings together supporters, partners and community leaders who are all united behind the mission of supporting first responders.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://firehousesubsfoundation.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firehousesubsfoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirehouseSubsFoundation/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firehouse-subs-public-safety-foundation/
- Other: https://firehousesubsfoundation.org/donate/
