LAKE COUNTY >> The Lake Area Rotary Club Association Fire Relief Fund (LARCA) has announced they are now accepting cash donations to support fire victims of not just Lake, but three other counties, too.
The Fire Relief Fund began two years ago with a goal to “find the holes in the system and get the help to where it is needed most and do it with nearly zero overhead costs,” as LARCA President Ron Roberts explained in a prepared statement.
The committee had the chance to do just that when the Rocky, Jerusalem, and Valley Fires hit Lake County. A grant program was created to assist in fire recovery for local businesses to rebuild and prevent closing. A total of 45 small businesses received grants of up to $2,000 each. Because most businesses were unable to receive any or sufficient government funds, the program helped prevent locals from having to close down their businesses, according to LARCA.
Treasurer for the Fire Relief Fund Russell Cremer said that the organization successfully raised and distributed about $941,000 during that time, where 100-percent of donations were invested in those affected. Other areas where the money goes toward is housing, shelter support, grief counseling, and other unmet needs.
This year, Lake County was struck by the Sulphur Fire which raged through 2,207 acres. In addition, surrounding counties were affected by large fires that claimed the lives of over 40 people, a number still increasing, and burned an estimated 5,700 structures. R
ecord-breaking statistics encouraged LARCA to expand its fire relief efforts to fire victims of District 5130, which include Mendocino, Sonoma, and Napa counties. The new committee to lead direct distribution of donations is now comprised of Rotarians from each of the four counties.
“[W]ith the onslaught of these new and incredibly devastating fires in our neighboring counties, it’s now time to take that knowledge and experience we gained here in Lake County and now expand it to help others,” Dirk Slooten, Chair of LARCA said.
City of Clearlake Mayor Russ Perdock, along with Cremer, introduced the news of expansion during one of the Sulphur Fire update meetings held the week after the start of the fire.
Perdock said, “I’m so proud of this. Every penny that was donated went straight to the victims and now we are here again. LARCA is once again stepping up.”
Cremer added that it has been a great decision to extend their support to the other three counties as “they all helped us (Lake County) during the past fires.” The Fire Relief Fund has already raised nearly $9,000, Cremer reported.
Members of the organization have expressed they are working diligently to assist fire survivors and hope to see funds as high as $941,000 once again.
Rotary District 5130 Governor Bob Rodgers said about this year’s fire devastation, “The recovery and rebuild is going to be a long process but we are confident that we can lead the way in bringing these communities back. Rotarians know how to get things done and won’t stop until we reach the finish line.”
Those interested in sending cash donations have two options:
TO DONATE ONLINE
Visit the LARCA Fire Relief Fund webiste at www.larca5130.org/donate/
To SEND A CHECK
Rotary 5130 Fire Relief Fund c/o Lake Area Rotary Club Association (LARCA) c/o LARCA Fire Relief Fund P.O. Box 2921 Clearlake, CA 95422
Notations on checks are encouraged to direct funds to aid a specific affected county.
